Jim Nickel

James “Jim” Brian Nickel of Flin Flon, MB passed into the spirit world on July 22, 2023 at the age of 72 years at his home. Jim was born on August 27, 1950 in Russell, MB to Lyle and Dorothea “Dot” (nee Simpson) Nickel of Russell, MB.

 One of Jim’s family highlights as they grew up was to go to the Saturday matinee to watch westerns. Jim and his brother Dennis usually could be found later playing cowboy with their Stetsons on the head, six shooters on their hips and yelling “ridden cowboys' '. During high school years Jim worked at the Dolziel’s Hardware Store and Jack Hainstock’s Texaco Station. When he was not working and doing homework he was busy chasing young girls and driving fast cars with his buddies Terry Kearn and Bill Paradine. 

When Jim was 18 years old, he ventured to Flin Flon, MB to look for work and was hired at HBMC on October 16, 1970 and retired on September 1, 2008 after 38 and half years of employment.  He worked at various mines within the area; West Arm, Schist lake, White Lake, Centennial, Namew, North and South Main as a miner, shift boss and was known as a Development Miner. 

His love for the outdoors that Flin Flon provided with the many lakes and trails for fishing, quading, curling, golfing, riding his motorcycle and skidooing. You could find him in the winter curling with Jim Langan and out fishing with his buddy Lyle Stahl, Brad McDonald, Bob Menzie. In the summer he would be riding his motorcycle with Brent (Boomer) and quading in the bush. He loved cabin life out at Schist, Oblong, and Kississing and he would spend hours sitting and looking at the lakes while sharing brews and stories with his buddies Barry Markham and Lyle Stahl. There are many stories known and unknown of his adventures. Jim was known for his sense of humor, quick wit and fine comebacks with his family and many friends.

Jim was a member of the Royal Canadian Legion and helped raise 28 children as a Foster Parent and Home Placement for the Frontier School Division. He was a very energetic man that loved life and always was looking for another adventure.

Jim will be lovingly remembered by his wife; April Head-Nickel and his two sons: Darren (Daniela) Nickel, and Damon Nickel of Winnipeg. His 5 sisters and one brother; Dennis ( Barbara) Nickel of Lanigan, SK, Karen (Richard) Hyra of Lanigan, SK,  Kirsty (Stew) Hall of Topley, BC; Dawn (Dennis) Firomski of Burns Lake, SK, Amy Pillipow of Regina, SK, Val (Bob) Duce of Red Deer, AB., stepchildren Robert Fitzpatrick, Dawn Fitzpatrick and 9 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

Jim was predeceased by his parents, Lyle and Dot Nickel, sister Lyla Jo Nickel (1953-1960)

He was a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather and friend; he will be greatly missed by all that knew him.