James Claude Nichols, 89, of Bethany, OK, was called Home June 22, 2010. He was born May 20, 1921 in Marietta, OK to Peter and Mary (Cowan) Nichols. He married Mary Elizabeth Huskey on May 20, 1946, in Ringold, TX. He was a proud WWII veteran of the US Army. Claude received his BA from Bethany Peniel College (now SNU) in 1955. He went on to receive his Masters and Doctorate of Education from The University of Oklahoma. He was a Teacher for Putnam City Schools before becoming Principal at Windsor Hills Elementary and Apollo Elementary Schools. He became Director of Elementary Education for Putnam City in 1974 where he served until his retirement in 1986. His community involvement included 2 terms on the Bethany City Council, Past President of the Bethany Kiwanis Club, Past Lt. Governor of Division 19 of the Texas/Oklahoma District, and Past President of Oklahoma County Retired Educators Association where he was awarded the VIM (Very Important Member) in 1994. Preceded in death by his parents, and 5 siblings, Claude is survived by his wife of 64 years, Elizabeth; daughters Claudetta Hixon and husband Tommy of OKC, Melvina Moore and husband David of OKC, and Judy Clark of Guthrie; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; one sister Lorene McDonald of Ft. Worth, TX; and many loving nieces and nephews. Claude will be interred on Monday in Ft. Sill National Cemetery, Elgin, OK. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent in Claude's name to the following: SNU School of Education, Bethany Kiwanis Club, or Carter Healthcare & Hospice in OKC. To share a memory or condolence, visit www.mercer-adams.com. Claudes family would like to express their appreciation and thanks to the Pastors of BFC led by Pastor David Busic, to the community, church, and friends for their support and prayers, to Dr. Fred Lybrand and Dr. Dennis Parker who worked together to provide such excellent care to Claude over the past 20 years and to Dr. Hayhurst who joined the medical team more recently. We would like to give a special thanks to the entire Carter Hospice Team as they have worked diligently to provide excellent care for Claude and special support for our family. Thank you especially to his head Nurse Valerie and to Ronnie who expertly assisted with Claudes personal comfort.