Corporal James "Jim" R. Nichols
U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF), 5th Air Force (5th AF), 5th Fighter Command

Background
James Roger Nichols was born December 18, 1920. Nicknamed Jim.

Wartime History
Nichols enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force (USAAF) as a private and was promoted to the rank of Corporal. Sent overseas to the South West Pacific Area (SWPA) to New Guinea. Assigned to 5th Air Force (5th AF), 5th Fighter Command (V Fighter Command) under and served in A-2 section (intelligence) at Nadzab Airfield.

In late 1943, Nichols painted the nickname and nose art for B-17F "Well Goddam" 41-24381 assigned to Brigadier General Paul B. Wurtsmith. In early March 1944, Nichols was approached by Captain Richard I. Bong to create artwork for P-38J "Marge" 42-103993. Nichols enlarged a photograph of Marge and painted the nickname on the left side of the nose. He also created artwork for the pictorial history Pacific Sweep (1945).

Postwar
Nichols retired in Springfield, MO and began researching his wartime service. He visited the National Air & Space Museum and was photographed with the portrait of Richard I. Bong. He shared some of his experiences with aviation magazines, newspapers and the Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center.

Memorials
Nichols passed away 20 May 1999 at age 78. He is buried at Maple Park Cemetery in Springfield, MO at block 87 lot 29.

References
Pacific Sweep (1945) page 80 (49th Group illustration)
Air Classics Magazine "Liar Lines" Vol. 9 No. 11 November 1973 pages 7-8
The Wisconsin Journal "The artist who painted Capt. Bong's plane" by Paul G. Hayes February 20, 1994
How I did the Marge Art Work on Dick Bong’s P-38 by Jim Nichols 1996
Correspondence between Jim Nichols and Dorothy Joyce Bong Erickson / Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center
Correspondence between Jim Nichols and Marge Drucker / Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center
FindAGrave - James Roger Nichols (grave photos)
Thanks to Richard I. Bong Veterans Historical Center for additional information

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