Jesse David Nichols was fast, quick-minded, and always on the move. He was the boy who shut his nose in the refrigerator door while swigging chocolate milk as he rushed to go outside and play with friends.

Jesse never slowed down—not until death claimed him at the age of 74 on Saturday, August 31, 2024, after a courageous battle against aplastic anemia. He loved life, was insatiably curious, and pursued his passions, holding nothing back.

He received a B.A. from the University of Missouri Conservatory of Music in Kansas City as a brass player specializing in trombone. He loved playing in the orchestra at Starlight Theatre, featuring musicals and concerts by guest artists.

On one occasion, Jesse played the Joel Gray show. When Mr. Gray insisted he had to have a tuba, rather than a trombone, for the opening of his signature song Cabaret, Jesse obliged. He ran home, grabbed his tuba, memorized the part, and made Mr. Gray a very happy man.

He continued his studies with two renowned teachers, including bass trombonist Edward Kleinhammer and second trombonist Frank Crisafulli of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra,

When a dislocated jaw ended Jesse’s career in music, he found his second passion, the martial art Aikido. He trained and taught Yoshinkan-style Aikido, achieving the rank of Godan. He also trained in the Japanese weapons system taught by his first teacher, Takashi Kushida Sensei, augmenting the curriculum with katas he created honoring the form and style.

While looking for a way to manage chronic back pain, Jesse devoted himself to the study of human movement. He helped himself and, for many years, taught clients that doing less and noticing more was the path to a resilient movement ecosystem and less pain.

Jesse leaves behind a loving circle of family and friends, including Jan Welborn-Nichols, his wife of 35 years; his sister Dolly Jo Laning and her husband Doug; his brother James Leland Nichols and his wife Debbie; his nephews Ben Laning and his partner Margie; Steve Laning and his wife Tracie; Jim Laning and his wife Sarah; niece Kristienne Laning Gibbons and her husband Evan; nephews Christopher and Clay Nichols; and cousins Kathy King, Carl Nichols, and Joe Nichols.

In lieu of flowers, you may honor Jesse’s life and a place he loved with a Tribute Gift to The Morton Arboretum. Choose the option “Donation for Honoree” and follow the prompts.

A celebration of Jesse’s life will be held in October 2024. The date, time, and location will be announced soon.

Arrangements entrusted to Cappetta’s West Suburban Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Info 630-852-8000 or westsuburbanfh.com