The last of the old-time cowboys branded his last calf, saddled his horse and rode into heaven on August 31, 2021 at the age of 100 yrs. Jack W. Nickels of Ft. Peck was born September 24, 1920 to Herman J Nickels and Lydia (Meyers) Nickels. He was brought up in northern McCone County where he lived all his life. He lived during a time before barbed wire- when he would ride for several days to gather the family cattle each autumn. His horsemanship earned him a second place Bronc Riding in 1942. Jack served in World War II as a U.S. Marine stationed in the South Pacific with the 3rd Amphibious Division. He learned welding early in his life and he put those skills to use as an operator/driver of amphibious landing craft and led the crew in maintaining those landing craft. When he returned from the war, he continue to ranch with his father and brothers until his marriage to Sharol Lynn (Peggy Johnson) Nickels whom he married June 13, 1950. They started their own ranch and together raised 3 children, a lot of Hereford cattle and some pretty nice horses. He and Peggy lived the American dream with hard work and fortitude in building a very successful cattle ranch. Peggy passed away in March 1991. Jack married Pearl Oshner in August 1997 and continued life operating the ranch.
Jack had a great sense of humor, sense of duty, knew the benefits of hard work and was respected by his friends and neighbors. On more than one occasion, he plowed open the road to his neighbors down on Bear Creek during some of our infamous Montana winters. He could be counted on every branding season to provide the de-horning services. He designed his irrigation system, invested in artificial insemination (AI) to improve his herd and loved to use his bull dozer to move dirt and build reservoirs. Jack earned a pilot’s license before WWII which was used frequently to locate cattle and check water in reservoirs as well as treat his children to rides. In recognition of his success he was awarded Commercial Cattleman of the Year in 1990, and Soil Conservationists of the Year 1987.
He is survived by his children, Holly Lee Nickels of Kalispell, Montana, Sally Jo (Jim) Eide of West Fargo, North Dakota, Jack W Nickels, Jr of Billings, Montana; his second wife Pearl (Oshner) Nickels as well as many nieces and nephews.
Jack is proceeded in death by his loving wife Peggy and infant son Brett Allan; his parents; brothers Russell Nickels and Lester Nickels; sisters, Thelma Register, Vera Terry and Doris Dunster.
Paul Skyberg says
Rest in peace old friend. You will be missed but not forgotten. Til Valhalla.
Wayne and Shirlee Brillhart says
What a guy! We have fond memories of him and Peggy! We shared a love for Hereford Cattle.
Happy Trails Jack!
Wayne and Shirlee Brillhart
Ted Berns says
Dear Holly, Sally and Jack Jr., ,
I am so very sorry to hear about your dad. He had a tough exterior but was kind and considerate on the inside.
With that tall black hat, drooping mustache and colorful language, I always thought he should have been in the movies. The community is going to miss him.. Respectfully signed, Ted Berns
Barry Wensel says
I’m sorry I just heard of this since I moved from Montana to Iowa in ’99. My brother and I bowhunted Jack and Peggy’s ranch for decades and were always treated like family. We always looked forward to our visits and stayed in the log bunkhouse for weeks at a time. I recall one year we got stranded at the ranch for three days because of severe gumbo. They let us raid the melon patch and garden for “supplemental” food. We were embarrassed and never told them we didn’t bring any food. So it was Cantaloupe for breakfast; Honey-Dew for lunch and watermelon for summer.. three days in a row. As I said, nothing but fond memories. Rest in Peace my friend. My condolences to all. Best regards, Barry Wensel
Gideon Yutzy says
A kind man to my family and i as we used to travel from Western Montana and hunt the ranch, we loved hearing the old stories, America has truly lost a hardworking fine Montana man ! Rest In peace Jack ! Gideon Yutzy Rexford, MT
Andrew F. Baker says
I am sorry to hear of the Nickels family loss. I have many fond memories of the Jack and Peggy and their ranch while visiting Jim and Vera Terry in 1990. Being from New York (Upstate) I was over whelmed by the friendliness and generosity Jack and Peggy, and of the entire Nickels family. True pioneers to say the least. One of my most memorable events was we had just arrived at the ranch, I was walking up to the house along a path, and not yet having met Peggy, she suddenly dashed from the house carrying a shotgun and yelled, Don’t move. suddenly there was the boom of the gun. Needless to say I didn’t move and with my eyes as big as saucers, I observed a ferrel cat who had met his demise. Peggy proceeded to walk toward me and said, finally got the damm thing. you Andy, yes I said, well I’m Peggy. I suddenly realized I wasn’t in Kansas any more…. I wish the Nickels family all the best, and will cherish the memories of such a great family.