James Patrick Nicholson

James Patrick Nicholson (Jim), 60, of Philadelphia, PA died on March 8, 2022. He was born in Lansdale, PA on November 29, 1961 to James A. Nicholson (Lucille) and Judith (Johnson) McGovern. James was a true Renaissance man: an artist, musician, carpenter, coach, designer, mentor and friend. With Atelier FAS in Philadelphia for the past 33 years, James’ role as Vice President was earned by learning every aspect of the fine arts handling business, creating successful systems and strong relationships with both clients and staff. James had a brilliantly creative, special ops kind of mind for solving all kinds of spatial efficiency. James was an unconventional mentor with an uncanny ability to lead through direction, knowing that teaching leads to knowledge and true understanding. Among his projects were Penn Museum, Constitution Center, Philadelphia Museum of Art, PAFA and the Museum of the American Revolution but his greatest accomplishment was the Barnes Foundation relocation from Merion to Philadelphia.

Prior to Atelier, James studied at Penn State University, and worked with Philadelphia Green, building pocket parks and city neighborhood gardens. He owned Green Dog Gardens in Manayunk. James volunteered where needed and helped with the rebuild in New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina. Most recently, he coached youth baseball with Give and Go Athletics in his Brewerytown neighborhood.

The middle child and eldest son among five children, James was the true center of his family and is deeply missed. Along with his parents, he is survived by his siblings Ellen Byrne (Neil), Lisa Nicholson, Richard Nicholson (Myhan), Mark Nicholson (Colleen), step sister Kathleen McGovern (Jeff Dupey), Terri Schlater, step brother Bill Koerper, 6 nieces Shawna, Kristin, Cassidy, Caroline, Alex Laura and Cara, 3 great-nephews, one great niece and legions of loyal friends. Relatives and friends are invited to his Funeral Service on Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 11:00AM at the Emil J. Ciavarelli Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, 951 E. Butler Pike, Ambler, PA 19002. A visitation will be from 10:0011:00AM. Interment will be Private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in James’ name can be made to Give & Go Athletics https://www.giveandgoathletics. org/donate.