Jack Nicholson passed away on January 16th, 2026 at the age of 91 in his home in Blaine, Minnesota, with his wife, Patricia and two daughters, Julie and Elizabeth, by his side.

Jack was born on July 30, 1934 in Marshall, Minnesota to Maurice and Cora Nicholson. He was one of seven siblings born to Maurice and Cora. He graduated from Russel High School in 1952 and went on to get a bachelor’s degree in secondary education from Saint Cloud State University and a master’s degree in mathematics education from University of Wisconsin. As a lifelong learner, he earned an additional 30 credits allowing him to teach a wide variety of subjects. He further served in the US Army Reserves. He began his teaching career at Belgrade High School in Minnesota. In 1960, Jack would marry Patricia Skimland in Belgrade, Minnesota. He then taught for 33 years for Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DoDDS), teaching in Bermuda, Japan, and Germany. In addition to teaching high school math, he was a beloved football coach, mentor, and school administrator. He coached the Bitburg Barons football team through an undefeated season, ultimately winning the DoDDS championship that year. He additionally would teach evening classes for University of Maryland and Embry Riddle Aeronautical University – teaching servicemembers algebra while they were stationed overseas. He enjoyed skiing, cycling, traveling, golfing and running marathons, and was an avid sports fan. After his federal retirement in 1994, he and Pat moved back to the United States and settled in Pine City, Minnesota. He would continue teaching at Pine City High School and in 1995 started working at Grand National Golf Course and later as front desk manager at the Hinckley Casino hotel until 2011. Jack and Patricia had two children and were married for 65 years prior to his passing.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents (Maurice and Cora), brothers (Jerry, Jim, Ron, Shadow, and Wayne) and sister (Dorothy) and their spouses. He is survived by his wife Patricia, daughter Julie (Scott) of Blaine, Minnesota, and daughter Elizabeth (Scott) of Cape Coral, Florida. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Melissa (Alan) of Colorado Springs, Colorado and two great-granddaughters Charlotte and Jacqueline (named after great-grandpa Jack) and Megan (Daniel) of Colorado Springs, Colorado, and many other family and friends.

A celebration of life is expected to be held in Summer of 2026. The family respectfully requests that loved ones refrain from sending gifts. If you wish to honor Jack, please provide a donation in his name to the Alzheimer’s Association or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.