Jack Ferris Nicholson, Jr.

Jack Ferris Nicholson Jr., age 62, passed away on Tuesday, August 29, 2023, in Louisville, KY. Jack was born in Louisville, KY, to Shirley and Jack Nicholson Sr. He is a graduate of Butler High School and the University of Louisville, where he received his degree in Respiratory Therapy, and later the University of Louisville School of Business, where he obtained his degree in Finance and Management.

Jack began his career as a Respiratory Therapist at UofL Hospital (1984-1992), also serving as a Clinical Instructor for the University of Louisville School of Respiratory Therapy. Jack served as the Clinical Coordinator of the Respiratory Therapy Department at Baptist Healthcare (1992-1995) before transitioning to Kindred Hospital (1995-2008) where he fulfilled numerous administrative roles, including Director of Respiratory Therapy, Administrator of Outpatient Services, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Executive Officer. Jack then went on to serve as Chief Operating Officer for Chest Medicine Associates/Sleep Medicine Specialists (2008-2016) before finishing his career as Market CEO of Kindred Hospitals of Louisville (2016-2021).

During his 37-year career, Jack was known for his relentless work ethic, mentorship, and ability to connect on a personal level with co-workers, patients, and families. Jack was beloved by all who knew him, professionally and beyond. He was an avid smallmouth bass fisherman, golf enthusiast, world traveler, diehard UofL fan, and lifelong boater. "Captain Jack" loved spending time with his friends and family aboard the "Bark Royal" houseboat on Dale Hollow Lake.

Jack inherited many of his traits from his mother Shirley, who he affectionately referred to as a "saint". Like his mother, Jack treated everyone equally and never spoke unkindly of others (unless you were driving slowly in the fast lane). His father, Jack Sr., taught him to be a penny pincher and a money investor, which led him to pursue a degree in finance. Jack studied the market daily and read financial reports for fun. He would stay up late into the night "researching" all things from international vacations to toaster ovens. Jack spent weeks comparing and reading reviews on the internet. To this day, none of us have ever been allowed to purchase an American-made car. Friends knew who to travel with, as there would be no mishaps in accommodations or transportation, and the sites would be unforgettable.

Jack met the love of his life Lynn on his 21st birthday following an auto accident. Lynn was Jack's nurse, and he immediately told his mother that he had met the woman he was going to marry. Jack and Lynn went on to marry and have two children, Jay and Taylor. As a father, Jack passed on his love of the great outdoors, sports fandom, and unshakeable drive and determination. For his kids, he provided great advice (at times unsolicited) and acted as a guiding light, always keeping their best interests in mind.

To his friends, Jack was a true one-of-a-kind who was the life of the party and never failed to make those around him laugh with his unique vocabulary and mannerisms. Jack was also very loyal, with an innate ability to serve as a trusted confidant to those close to him.

Jack is preceded in death by his parents, Shirley and Jack Nicholson Sr.

Jack is survived by his wife of 37 years, Lynn Berry Nicholson, his children Jack "Jay" Nicholson III (Jensen) and Taylor Nicholson Braun (Adam); his 3 sisters Cindy (Roger) Smith, Marsha (Steve) Key, and Cheryl "Cherry" (the late Jim) Vowels; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held for Jack on Sunday, October 1, 2023, at Hurstbourne Country Club (9000 Hurstbourne Club Ln, Louisville, KY 40222) beginning at 2 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the American Cancer Society with designation to Colon Cancer.


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