Local Man New Elks President
By HEATHER ZIEGLER Associate City EditorMARTINS FERRY - Perhaps it's the fact that James L. Nichelson is the oldest of 10 children. Or maybe it is his education, military or law experience that make him what he is today.
Whatever the cause, this Martins Ferry resident's unique abilities will soon be realized by a national audience. On July 9 in Portland, Ore., Nichelson, 61, will be installed as the Grand Exalted Ruler - national president - for the Protective Order of the Elks. He is the first Ohio resident to be named to the post in 38 years.
Nichelson is in good company as the Elk's national president. The late Wade Kepner, of Kepner Funeral Home fame, served as president in 1945 when the national convention was held in New York City. Lester "Ted" Hess Jr. of Wheeling was elected Elks national president in 1991 during the convention held in St. Louis, Mo.
"It's a tremendous honor for me and for the state of Ohio," Nichelson said. "I'm looking forward to it."
The national recognition comes with plenty of responsibility as he and his wife, Mary Carolyn, will be logging about 150,000 miles and visiting 49 states and Elks conventions during his year-long reign as national president of the Elks. His wife is a District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler in Ohio.
Hess, also an attorney, enjoyed the same year-long travel experience for the Elks. He said he is extremely pleased that Nichelson and his wife have been chosen to take on these duties.
"The entire Ohio Valley is looking forward to Jim Nichelson's election as national president of the Elks next month," Hess said. "There are nearly 1 million men and women who belong to more than 2,000 Elks lodges throughout America. They could not select a more capable couple than Jim and Mary Carolyn Nichelson."
Hess said he took off a whole year to fulfill the duties as the Elks national president. "My wife and I visited every state, slept in over 100 beds and were home only 36 nights out of the year," Hess commented.
He believes the Nichelsons "will enjoy every minute" of the experience.
Nichelson said he has known Hess for years. "We used to play basketball together. ... Ted used to coach basketball and softball and I called him 'coach.' He has constantly given me advice and I am happy to have it."
Nichelson, an Army veteran, graduate of Ohio State University and its School of Law, is most noted for his career as chief public defender in Belmont County. He became Belmont County Public Defender in 1980.
Although retired from the office, Nichelson can be found filling in on occasion at his former office in St. Clairsville, across from the Belmont County Courthouse.
He said he welcomes the opportunity to serve as the national Elks leader and without hesitation, suggests others join the good deeds the Elks provide.
"We are not a social club. There isn't a community around that doesn't feel the charitable and good works of the order," Nichelson said. "I began attending Elks meetings before I got out of law school. My father-in-law (Charles Pearl) was very active in the Elks and he brought me into it."
Nichelson worked his way through the Lodge chairs and was named Exalted Ruler of Martins Ferry Elks Lodge 895 in 1979-80. Since that time, he has served as a Lodge officer every year, including a stint as treasurer, following in his father-in-law's footsteps.
In 2007, he was given an Honorary Life Membership in the lodge. Following several mergers, the Martins Ferry Lodge became known as the Ohio River Valley Lodge 231.
Because of his law experience, Nichelson has been serving as the legal adviser for the Ohio Elks for the past 28 years. He also has served as chairman of the District Activities and the Grand Lodge as District Deputy Grand Exalted Ruler in 1990. In 1996, he was appointed to the Grand Lodge Committee on Judiciary, and was elected to the Board of Grand Trustees, serving as Approving Member East, Home Members, Pension Members and Vice Chairman. He also has served the Grand Lodge for two years are Parliamentarian and as a member of the Pardon Commission. In 2008, he was named Honorary State President.
Nichelson has split his time between work, family, the Elks, the Knights of Columbus, Eagles, Redmen, VFW, the American Legion and St. Mary's Catholic Church in Martins Ferry.
"I could not do this without my wife. She is the Elks' District Deputy for southeast Ohio. Many people don't realize that the Elks are co-ed and women are our saviors. They do a lot of the work," Nichelson acknowledged.
Nichelson has established an office at 305 S. Fourth St. in Martins Ferry that will be utilized by the Elks. He plans to blog about his upcoming year of service. To keep up with his blog, visit the national Elks Web site at www.elks.org.
"I would love for more young people to get involved with the Elks. We, like other fraternal organizations, are trying to figure that out. We do so many projects for kids, veterans and things that we need more people to join. It's a great way to give back to your community."
Nichelson and his wife will be joined in Portland by their children and grandchildren for the national Elks convention.
