James Wesley Nickman, 76, of Uniontown, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully and unexpectedly on October 25, 2025, at his home.

He was born in Connellsville on August 8, 1949, to the late Wesley and Clara Nickman. He was preceded in death by siblings Bernice (Donald) Howard, Marian (Robert) Pitman and Elias (Vera) Nickman Sr.

He was a member of Saint George Maronite Catholic Church, the order of Saint Sharbel, and the former Lebanese Club.

He completed his undergraduate studies at Washington & Jefferson College and graduated from West Virginia University School of Pharmacy class of 1972.  Jimmy devoted his career to serving others through his profession.  Founding Nickman's Drug in 1974 with his wife Karen, James served the Uniontown community for over 50 years.  A highlight of his career was the addition of James Jr. to the business partnership in 1999.  Through the family's tireless dedication, they eventually grew the business to 7 retail locations.  James Sr.  credited his success to treating his customers with the utmost respect and appreciation, to the point that many felt like family.  Jimmy's life was defined by hard work, dedication to the community, and a deep love of family and friends.

He started working at the age of 13 alongside his father Wesley Nickman when his dad purchased the Shadowland Park skating rink (later to become Nickman's Plaza).  A tireless entrepreneur, Jimmy also founded Nickman's Excavating and pursued countless other business ventures over the decades. Through his work, he touched many lives as both a pharmacist and a businessman, earning the admiration and gratitude of the Uniontown community.

Jimmy was known for his generosity, warmth, and kindness — and above all, for his unwavering loyalty as a husband, father, and friend. He had a gift for striking up conversations with anyone he met and making everyone feel at ease. He was a friend to all who knew him and loved sitting down with people to talk, always taking genuine interest in others. He had a lifetime of good stories to share and he cherished every opportunity to connect with those around him.

Jimmy treasured the friendships he built over the years, especially his close-knit group of poker buddies — George Solomon, Sonny Terrace, Bo Joseph, Garry Sisson, Art Gabriel, and Vito Dragone — whose companionship brought him great joy. He was also blessed with the loyal friendship of Randy Richey and Simon John, who remained by his side through the years.  Later in life, he enjoyed many patio conversations with his Florida friend John Wurtz.

He was an avid Pittsburgh sports fan, with a special affection for the Steelers, and he held a deep knowledge of all sports statistics and history. His other hobbies included playing poker, watching The History Channel and old western movies, spending time with his family, and cutting grass while listening to oldies.  He was also a voracious reader and a lifelong student of history, being especially interested in the Civil War and World War II.

Left to cherish his memory is his beloved wife Karen with whom he recently celebrated 50 years of marriage, and his three children— James Jr. and his wife Heather of Uniontown, Dr. Julie Petrie and her husband Dr. Matthew Petrie of Mt Lebanon, and Jacob and his wife Sandra of Mt Lebanon — who will carry forward his legacy of integrity, compassion, and hard work. He was the proud grandfather of Alexander, Gabriel, and Benjamin Petrie, and Jacob and Andrew Nickman, all of whom brought him tremendous joy. "Gidu's" greatest joy in his later years was his grandchildren — he loved following their adventures and watching their sporting events, sharing in every milestone with pride and love. He is also survived by grand dogs Lincoln, Luna, and Lola; and one grand cat, Lucy.   He also shared a special bond with his many nephews, nieces, and cousins, who he loved deeply and who enriched his life.

Family and friends will be received at Stephen R. Haky Funeral Home, 603 N Gallatin Ave Ext, Uniontown, PA 15401, on Monday, October 27, 2025, from 2:00 to 7:00 p.m with the parish wake at 6:00 p.m. A  Rosary at 10:00 a.m. and a  Funeral Service  will be celebrated on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 10:30 a.m. at Saint George Maronite Catholic Church, Lebanon Terrace, Uniontown with Father Aaron Sandbothe as celebrant. (Everyone meet at church at 10:00 a.m.)

Interment will follow at Sylvan Heights Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Saint George Maronite Catholic Church.

Jimmy was deeply loved and will be forever missed by family and friends. May his soul rest in peace.