Jerre Byron Nichols, 81, passed away June 22, 2019 in his home surrounded by family. Jerre was born in Lafayette, Indiana on December 26, 1937 and grew up in a small country town of Otterbein, Indiana where he graduated High School in 1956. He attended Austin Peay University in Clarksville, Tennessee to play basketball and where he became Senior Class President and graduated in 1960. He married the love of his life Jean Ponto that same year.
He started work on his MBA at University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee. He returned to the Lafayette, Indiana area working with National Homes. His next position was at Humble Oil of New Jersey, specializing in Real Estate acquisitions. His next business accomplishment was at Top Value Enterprises; he achieved the position as National Sales Manager. In 1982 he became an entrepreneur returning to his “country boy” roots in Otterbein, Indiana. Jerre reopened his father’s auto garage renaming it Jerre Nick’s Auto Sales. In 1988 an opportunity presented itself and Jerre created TeleCentre of Indiana, a Telecommunications Consulting Company. As a result of this endeavor he diversified and purchased 19 acres in Berne, Indiana. That purchase lead to the entire Northern Business Corridor being developed on those 19 acres. Jerre built, owned and operated the Hotel anchor of Black Bear Inn & Suites for more than 15 years. He sold land for 2 strip centers and the land for a new Furniture store. He acquired and resold the Dairy Queen. Jerre continued investing in real estate endeavors in the US and the country of Belize.
Jerre was a Brother in the Otterbein Masonic Lodge #561 for 60 years, Indianapolis Scottish Rite for 50 years and Indianapolis Murat Shrine Club for many years. Jerre helped to initiate the process of securing an International Rotary Club Charter in his small country hometown of Otterbein, Indiana.
Jerre was a loving and devoted husband to Jean for nearly 59 years. Jerre is survived by Jean; son Jay Byron Nichols; daughter Jill Ellen Nichols Martin (husband Robert Eugene Martin); Grandchildren Austin Robert Martin, Britney Jean Martin Warner (husband Colin Warner); Great Grandchildren Elyse Oliva Martin and Hudson Austin Martin. He served as a father figure to countless others.
He is preceded in death by his father Otha Milton Nichols and mother Irma Louise Kinsell Nichols.
A Celebration of Jerre’s life will be held at 1:30 July 13 at St Mark’s Methodist Church, 4789 E 126th Street, Carmel, Indiana 46033. Reception will follow. Jere will be laid to rest at Mount Gilboa Cemetery, 8322 E. 300 N. Fowler, Indiana, on July 14, 2019 at 3:00 PM. A reception will follow the graveside service.
In lieu of flowers family requests consideration of donation to the Masonic Home Foundation, P.O. Box 44210 5125, North Illinois Street, Indianapolis, IN 46244, or Scottish Rite Children’s Healthcare Hospital, 3395 N. E. Expressway, Atlanta, GA 30341 (choa.org/giving)
Lindsey says
I am so sorry to hear of the death of Jerre. The passing away of a loved one is always with much sorrow. May we have faith and confidence in the Bible’s promise of a time when pain, sickness and death are a thing of the past (Revelation 21:3, 4). My condolences are with the family at this difficult time.
Helen Fox says
Jean, Sending my sympathy to you and your family at this difficult time. I was privileged to work for you and Jerre as manager of the BLACK Bear Inn and am grateful for the opportunity of learning to know both of you. You and Jerre were always so gracious and I thank you.God bless you. Helen Fox
Diane, David & Bryce Ballard says
Dearest Jeannie and Family,
It is with much sadness that I heard that Jerre has passed. Remembering such good times with the two of you through the years, you and Jerre came into my life when this poor college student needed help the most. I can never thank you both enough for becoming “surrogate parents” to me, lol. The summer of my sophomore year at Ball State I found myself with both of my biological parents newly remarried, and I did not feel comfortable returning to their home(s). Penniless and struggling to make ends meet for food and rent (for your beautiful, historic home in Muncie) I came to you both to ask if I could work for you to help pay rent. That summer Jerre gave me the job of scraping paint off of the detached garage and re-painting it…as I look back now, I’m sure the paint job was not that good. There was weeding and mowing and helping to renovate an upstairs bathroom, as well. That was the beginning of what turned out to be a lifetime of wonderful memories. Jerre was a positive father figure to me, offering strength and direction when I needed it the most in my young adult life. I have always looked up to him for advice, and admired you both for what a wonderful marriage the two of you have had. I know he is in a peaceful, beautiful place now with our Heavenly Father, and it is with joy that I know someday the two of you will be together again. Please know that you are in our hearts and prayers at this time.
The Ballard Family, Alto, NM
Diane Martin-Ballard, David and Bryce
Ernie Steiner says
Jean & Family: I was deeply saddened to hear and read of Jerre’s passing. I think back to all the talks and things we did together at the hotel, I will always remember Jerre as a visionary; he could see potential when most people would draw a blank. Always positive and never met a stranger. Austin; your grandpa was so proud of your and your management skills; Jerre loved his children and grandchildren dearly. Jean; I know you will find the strength to carry on; you are such a strong person. May God grant all of your family strength and peace at this time. I would really like to come to the memorial service, however I have been dealing with bells palsy for about 6 weeks with the usual symptoms, drooping right eye lid, drooping mouth which makes talking difficult of which. I would feel very uncomfortable among strangers with my facial issues. Love & God bless.