The family of James “Butch” Nichols has invited the Patriot Guard Riders to a Celebration of Life for Butch. It will be an honor as Butch was a Patriot Guard Rider since 2010. Butch was also a staunch patriot and supporter of all veteran causes. Butch raised money on several occasions to be donated to the Barstow Veterans home and was always there to support our Veterans and First Responders however he could. Although Butch was not a veteran, you would never know it. He would raise money through different events, car shows to make a yearly trip to Utah to ride with his son James and the Combat Vets in Utah.
Butch was born on 12 November 1945 in Paris Arkansas and his final Mission was 29 July 2021.
He moved to California and worked for the Southern California Water Company for 35 years. Butch was a wild one in his early years and his love of motorcycles and fast cars continued throughout his life. One of Butch’s cherished bikes was a 1949 Denver frame Panhead Chopper and his AC Cobra, for which he won several trophies at various car shows as a member of Cruizin Buddies. Butch was also a member of the Apple Valley Moose Lodge and held several positions throughout the years.
Butch was truly a one-of-a-kind and will never be replaced. You couldn’t go anywhere without running into someone he had previously met.
Butch is survived by five children, James, a combat vet, a son Matthew, and three daughters, Penny, Sheila, and Robyn. He also has a brother Jeff that lives in Arkansas and a sister Burma. Butch said he finally got it right when he met and married his wife Diane. You couldn’t have a conversation without him expressing his love for her. He also leaves behind twelve grandchildren, one great-grandchild, numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews and countless friends, and his little princess Fiona.
Butch will be missed by too many to count. He was just a very special person to us all and will be deeply missed. I know when he gets to the Pearly Gates, Veterans will be waiting for him and telling him he belongs with them.
The weather is predicted to be hot so please stay hydrated and don't forget to eat; it can make a difference with your ability to withstand the heat.
NOTE: Please observe the latest “COVID-19” restrictions.
Time Table for Friday 20 August 20211000-Stage at Sunset Hills Memorial Park, 24000 Waalew Rd., Apple Valley, CA. 92307
https://goo.gl/maps/qSZx1kw3swVbpRh7A1020-Mission Briefing
1045-Prepare and enter Chapel
1100-Celebration of Life starts.
1200-ETA end of Celebration of Life, prepare for flag line for dignified transfer to private vehicle.
1215-KSU accompany Butch from Sunset Hills to private residence.
R/C CRAIG LANE AKA JIP-C, USMC
SOCAL PGR RIDE CAPTAIN
bigredroadglide@yahoo.com
760-900-0388
I ride in honor of my best friend Butch Nichols. Gone but not forgotten.
You do not have to be a Veteran or a motorcycle rider to attend this mission. All PGR members are welcome. We encourage those who do not ride to attend in your car. If this will be your first mission go to the initial staging area and you will be briefed there by the R/C (Ride Captain). Dress for motorcycle riding or dress casually if you are driving a cage (car). Please feel free to attend any portion of this mission you can. Please ride/drive safely.
