Jefferey "Jeff" Alan Nichols

We are sad to announce on January 1st, 2026, Jeff also known to some as “Cowboy” would ride away to his heavenly father, just 1 day shy of what should have been his 60th birthday.

Jefferey Alan Nichols was born to Gloria Risner in Merced, California on January 2nd, 1966. He was raised by his mother, Gloria, and stepfather, Donald Risner, who claimed and loved him as his own. Jeff was the oldest of his siblings; Michelle, Donald Jr AKA “Pie”, and youngest brother Bobby. He resided in the Merced area his entire life, attending area schools, working locally and making many friends along the way.

In his 20s Jeff embraced more family when he discovered he had another sister, Shanelle Stover, whom he has remained close to ever since. Jeff would go on to create a family of his own, having 2 sons: his oldest Conway Alan Nichols and youngest Dustin Blake Nichols, and then marrying his wife of over 20 years Juanita Rae Nichols. He was always very proud of the family he had created. Juanita was an angel in Jeffs life. She loved and cared for him and his children, whom she unconditionally claimed as her own. Juanita and Jeff had a happy marriage with their 2 sons, going to church at the Christan Life Center together as a family for many years. These were certainly joyous and happy times.

Jeff was a man of God. He faced struggles throughout his entire life, but he never lost his faith. God and Church were always a priority for Jeff and he made sure his sons were raised to know God also. Jeff was immensely proud to eventually become a grandfather to two granddaughters, Ella and Alice Nichols. He always requested new pictures of them so he could show and tell anybody who would listen just how proud he was of these 2 amazing little girls.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father Donald Risner and his brother Donald Risner Jr followed by his wife Juanita Nichols and mother Gloria Risner. He is survived by his two sons Conway and Dustin as well as his brother Bobby, his sisters, Shanelle and Michelle, and granddaughters Ella and Alice, as well as his many nieces and nephews who he always loved and cared for very much.

If Jeff called you family or friend, then you certainly always had a place in his heart, a heart made of gold, and big enough to love the world. He will be remembered as a kind soul, always willing to help others, even if he was down on his own luck.

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