John Kenneth Nichols

Mr. John Kenneth Nichols, 64, died Saturday, Oct. 8, 2011. He was born on Aug. 27, 1947, in Blytheville to Jessie and Ralph Nichols.

He received his undergraduate degree from Arkansas State University.

After serving his country in Vietnam, he resumed his education and received his M.F.A. Degree in Creative Writing from the University of Arizona.

He made Tucson, Ariz., his home and worked for the State Historical Society for several years before devoting full time to writing and editing.

He spent the last years of his life in New Orleans.

He leaves two children, Ellen and Emily Nichols of Tucson;

A brother, Ralph Nichols, of Canoga Park, Calif.;

A sister, Martha Nichols Cooke, of Tucson; and

Friends.