James Norbert Nickolaus, 74, of Tarentum, passed away Sunday, November 1, 2026 at Va Hospital, Oakland. He was born September 24, 1954 in Natrona Heights to the late Norbert J. and Agnes E. (Walker) Nickolaus. James previously lived in Georgia and was an electrician. He was a veteran of the US Airforce serving as a radio relay specialist. James was a 1972 graduate of Highlands High School and earned an associate’s degree from an Electronics School. James was very mechanically savvy and loved to tinker with the tools he purchased from flea markets and was an animal lover.

James is survived by his siblings, Cynthia L. Nickolaus, of Natrona Heights. Karen A. (Nickolaus) Calhoun, Sandra J, Nickolaus and David J. Nickolaus, all of Tarentum. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews as well as his cats. Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Stephanie L. (Hester) Nickolaus and a sister Jody L. Nickolaus.

All services and burial for James will be private. Arrangements by Duster Funeral & Cremation Services, Inc. 347 E 10th Ave, Tarentum, 724-224-1526. VISIT: dusterfuneral.com