Obituary of William James Nicholas

William J. Nicholas, III, 56, of Basking Ridge, passed away suddenly and unexpectedly Thursday, April 25, 2013. Will was married to Gail (Patti) Nicholas with whom he would have celebrated 35 years of marriage this July. Born August 15, 1956 in Plainfield he was the son of William J. Nicholas, Jr., and the late Virgina L. (Baron) Nicholas. He will be sadly missed by his loving family and all who knew him-beloved husband, father, brother and Uncle to many. Responding to various names as Jamie, Will, and in some circles, "Bubba", His laughter was infectious and witty remarks were never in short supply. Will was famous for his cooking-from his signature chili to his famous ribs and chipped beef on toast. The aroma of both his food and his heart will be missed by all. Always carrying a supply of hot sauce with camera in tow, he brought spice to every situation and recorded as many memories as possible. An active member of the church, he faithfully served in the kitchen, as a Sunday school teacher, and as head usher. His career in international corporate marketing and event management spanned 30+ years and included work for AT&T, Lucent, Avaya, and National Starch & Chemical. Currently he was an adjunct professor at Middlesex County College. He is survived by his loving wife Gail, a daughter Lauren, of Pennsylvania, his father William J. Nicholas, Jr. of New Jersey, a sister Nancy (Nicholas) and her husband Steven Skilton, and their children Anna and Tanner, of Vermont, two brothers Jeffrey Nicholas and his wife Patty and their children Ashley and Taylor, of New Jersey and David Nicholas and his wife Barbara, and their children David, Chelsea, Jason, and Cailee, of Pennsylvania. A memorial service will be held on Saturday May 4, 2013 at 11:00am at the Bishop Janes United Methodist Church, 22 South Finley Ave, Basking Ridge NJ. For more information please contact the Gallaway and Crane Funeral Home at 908-766-0250 or to light an online condolence candle visit our website www.gcfuneralhome.com.