Jim & Margaret Nichols

Jim was designated a Naval Flight Officer in 1979, began his military career flying in the A-6E (Intruder), and got his civilian Private Pilot License in 1981. Through 30 years in the Marines, he has been deployed multiple times around the world in a variety of capacities and was qualified in the F/A-18D (Hornet) and EA-6B (Prowler). Jim accumulated over 2,900 hours in tactical jets on land- and carrier-based operations. During his military career, he was awarded two Masters Degrees, an M.M.S. in military studies from the Marine Corps University (1994) and an M.A. in strategic studies from the Naval War College (2000). After retirement in 2007, Jim served with VITA as a volunteer tax preparer, at Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society, and with the Africa Mercy Hospital Ship in Tenerife off West Africa. More recently, he has been active with the Experimental Aircraft Association, building, flying, and maintaining a Zenith CH-750 Stol (N4031N – Isaiah 40:31) and certified as an FAA repairman. He is currently building a Glasair Glastar. Jim and Margaret currently attend Cascade Christian Reformed Church in north Marysville. Jim enjoys visiting the grandchildren, rock collecting & faceting, camping, attending the Apologetics Forum of Snohomish County, and the MATA Friday night Bible Studies. They have a heart for missions and aviation, so MATA is a natural match. The Nicholses love the Lord and strive to spread His Gospel in every facet of their lives.

Jim –  On the MATA Board of Directors 

Margaret – Volunteer

Jim Nichols and his wife, Margaret, are both from military families. Jim grew up in Florida, Morocco, Illinois, and Virginia. Jim and Margaret met while attending the University of Florida and married in 1976. They have four adult children and four grandchildren. While at UF, they attended a Campus Crusade for Christ event with Josh McDowell and recommitted their lives to Christ. Jim graduated from UF with a BS in Forestry and was commissioned in the US Marine Corps in June 1977.