James E. Nicholson

Lincoln – Mr. James E. Nicholson died Wednesday, December 26, 2018 after a brief illness and respiratory failure. He was 79.

James Eugene Nicholson was born March 16, 1939 in Boston, a son of the late Charles H. and Mary (May) Nicholson. He attended Boston College High School and Chauncy Hall, later receiving an Honorary Diploma from B.C. High. Jim received Bachelor's and Master's degrees from MIT in aeronautical and astronautical engineering.

With a long track record in the medical-device industry, he was a founder and leader of several medical-device startup companies, including Mitek Surgical Products, Innovasive Devices, OrthoPlex and Cortek, two of which he led through successful IPOs. Jim is an inventor on 40 patents, involving numerous medical and surgical products, including the Mitek Anchor and the Venodyne Intermittent Compression device.

His ability to develop innovative solutions and identify large, unmet market needs was only one key element of his success. He was also able to attract private and venture capital, and hire teams of experienced engineers and other talented people to build the ventures. It is estimated that Jim's products have aided surgeons in saving more than more than 250,000 lives.

In addition to his passion for medical devices, Jim pursued many other areas of interest. He was a commercial-rated pilot and flew his Cessna Cardinal as often as time and weather permitted. He invested in classic cars, enjoyed boating, collected antique clocks and fixed all sorts of things at his homes in Lincoln and on Lake Winnipesaukee.

Jim's family and faith were always at the forefront of his life. As a member of Saint Joseph Church, he served on its parish council. He served on the board of Saint John's Seminary, was a founder of the Ryan Estate and served as a lector of Saint Joseph's in Lincoln.

Jim was passionate about the value of education. He served on the boards of Brewster Academy, Concord Academy, Chauncey Hall, and the Catholic People's Foundation in Gallop, New Mexico, which supported the Sacred Heart Cathedral Schools in Gallop. He believed in giving back to the community and helping out those in need. Those efforts included reviewing applications by candidates seeking to become Eagle Scouts and selling Christmas trees to raise funds for the Boy's Scouts.

Jim is predeceased by his son, James E. Nicholson, Jr., his granddaughter, Heather L. Nicholson, and brothers, Charles, Paul, Francis, and David Nicholson.

In addition to his wife of 44 years, Kathryn M. (MacKinnon) Nicholson, he leaves his children, Kathleen N. Massey (James B. Blaney) of New York, NY, Susan C. Nicholson (Laura Imperia) of Stockton, New Jersey, Christopher J. Nicholson of New York, NY and M. Kymberly Giuliano (Stephen V.) of Littleton; grandchildren, James E. Nicholson III, Shannon Blaney-Bezanyuk (Nazar), Brendan J. Blaney, John P. 'Jack' Blaney, Margaret E. Blaney, Jaclyn E. Giuliano and Nicholas S. Giuliano; three great-grandchildren; in-laws including Linda Nicholson of Maitland, Florida, John MacKinnon (Rosemary) of Hingham, Paul MacKinnon (Geraldine) of Weymouth and Nancy MacKinnon (late Kevin) of Milton; also survived by great-grandchildren and many nieces & nephews.

Family and friends will honor and remember Jim's life by gathering for calling hours at The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Sunday, December 30th from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., and again at 8:30 a.m. on Monday morning, before leaving in procession to Saint Joseph Church, 142 Lincoln Road, Lincoln, where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Lincoln Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Jim's name to his Scholarship Fund at Boston College High School, 150 Morrissey Blvd, Boston, MA 02125.