After an extended illness, Jerry E. Nickles, 76, of Paris, passed away on Saturday, September 10, 2016 at Butterworth Spectrum Health Hospital in Grand Rapids. He was born on April 29, 1940 in Detroit. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lewis and Margaret Nickles and his brother, Roger A. Nickles. He is survived by his sister, Dr. Beverly JN Bowen, PhD of Mechanicsville, MD; two nephews, Edward A. Bowen of Burlington, IA and David E. Bowen of Crofton, MD; two grand-nieces, Jasemine A. Bowen of Clarksville, TN and Madison L. Bowen of California, MD; and a grand-nephew, Justin R. Bowen of Clarksville, TN. He was a retired English teacher after several decades of teaching at Big Rapids High School. For most of that tenure, he was also the sponsor/coach for the Debate Team. For the past several years, he was also an adjunct professor of English and Literature at Ferris State University. He was an active member and past officer of the Big Rapids Lions Club.A memorial gathering will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday, December 19, 2016 at the Big Rapids Eagles. Those planning a memorial contribution are asked to contact the Lions Club to donate to one of their community projects such as Dictionaries for Students, or Hospice. Share a memory or condolence at daggettgilbertfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Memorial Gathering Monday, December 19, 2016 11:30 AM - 02:30 PM Big Rapids Eagles 2535 18631 16 Mile Road Big Rapids,MI 49307