Jay David Nicholson of Springfield was born on July 5, 1956 and left for his heavenly home on February 19, 2023. He was preceded in death by his parents Nelson and Evelyn Nicholson and his sister, Jennah Nicholson.

He was baptized at age 8, regularly attending church with his family. In his late teens he made a trip to the Holy Lands which made an imprint on his life. During this period, he also was the drummer for "The Peace of Love" choir from University Heights Baptist church which performed many tours.

He attended Springfield Public Schools, graduating from Parkview High School in 1974 where he honed his interest in art and music. As a drummer in the Improvisational Jazz Quartet, he and his lifelong friend saxophonist Richard Bruton played the music they loved. He supported the Class Reunions, lending his talents to the events.

Receiving a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Drawing, Art History and Music in 1979 at Southwest Missouri State University (MSU) he participated in the Jazz and Marching Band, Skeet Club, Concert Chorale and Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity (PIKES). His association with the local chapter continued, including several years serving as Alumni Advisor, receiving the Outstanding Alumna Advisor award in 2012 as well as the National Volunteer Award as he mentored young men to fulfill the motto: "We shape young men. They go on to shape the world".

Jay began his career in advertising while in college doing graphics and photography. In 1982, after serving as a post-college employee, he left the large ad agency world and established Associated Design, a creative-oriented advertising entity. Originally intended to be a one-man agency, the project was destined to expand its offerings. While no longer a small creative service, the name was changed to better reflect its services. The Nicholson Agency was born.

In 2004, Jay expanded his footprint and teamed up to form Money Music, Inc. with Ned "The Band" Wilkinson to produce award-winning music for advertising. Neither time or distance hindered their creation of hundreds of scratch jingles, many which still air.

Providing effective and award-winning products over 40 years, the success was shared with clients. The American Advertising Federation of the Ozarks recognized Jay in 2012 for his career contributions in the industry at the ADDY Awards where he took home the lifetime achievement Silver Medalist Award. Many other awards attest to his talents. In a recent Springfield Business Journal article, a former employee said "Professionally, he's probably one of the most creative people I've known".

Following in his father's footsteps, Jay, an outdoors man, was at home on the water in a boat or canoe fishing, skiing, camping or just enjoying nature. His interest in automobiles was also inherited and culminated in the purchase in 1986 of his beloved 1964 Seafoam green Cadillac Convertible DeVille. The well-known license plate "IDOADS" aroused much interest and was a fixture leading the St. Patrick's Day Parade for many years with Jay serving as Grand Marshal in 2013. He was an expert on his grills and knew his way around a kitchen, an inheritance from his maternal side. You were lucky indeed to receive a pint of his pickled green tomatoes.

Jay was larger than life. He was loved and will be missed. He is survived by sisters Judy Groover and husband Phil, and Jill Creson and husband Rick of the area, 6 nieces and nephews and thirteen great-nieces and nephews along with many cousins and longtime friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 11, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. with Visitation following at University Heights Baptist Church, 1010 S. National, Springfield, Missouri.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jay's name may be made to the charity of the donor's choice or the following which held special places in his heart: University Heights Baptist Church, Benevolence Fund, 1010 S. National, Springfield, MO 65804 or the Jay Nicholson Memorial Scholarship to support the Pi Kappa Alpha brothers of the Zeta Chi Chapter at Missouri State University. Mail checks to the Pi Kappa Alpha Foundation, Attn: Jay Nicholson Fund, 8347 W. Range Cove, Memphis, TN 38125 or online at www.pikes.org/JayNicholson.