James Kerry Nickerson, 67

MILLSBORO - James Kerry Nickerson, of Millsboro, formerly of Rehoboth Beach, passed away Thursday, April 9, 2009, at the Beebe Medical Center, Lewes. He was 67. Mr. Nickerson was born in Lewes, on April 23, 1941, son of the late James Edmond and Carolyn (Watson) Nickerson. He was a native of Rehoboth Beach where he raised his family. Kerry was employed with Beebe Hospital in various positions for 25 years before gaining employment with Lifestar Ambulance, where he retired as Delaware Supervisor in September of 2006. Mr. Nickerson was a member of the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company for 47 years and a member of the Delaware State Fire Police for the last 13 years. In his years with the fire service he was a dedicated EMT and was a former member of the Governor's Council in bringing paramedics to Sussex County. Mr. Nickerson also was a member of the Red Knights in Maryland and enjoyed woodworking, fishing and boating. He is survived by his loving wife who have been together for the last 20 years, Connie J. Nickerson; five children, Paula Nickerson-Forbes of Long Neck, Maryanne Donato and her husband John of Houston, Brian Nickerson and his wife Adrienne of Georgetown, Cristin Carr at home and Jamie Nickerson of Milton; nine grandchildren, Candace and James Nickerson, Kristen, Timothy and Jonathan Robertson, Christopher and Haley Parsons, Ashley Nickerson and Kristin Martz; a great-granddaughter, Brianna Mae; a sister, Judith Nickerson Pletcher of Lawton, Okla.; a previous spouse, Barbara A. Smith of Wilmington; many adopted children and grandchildren who knew him as "Pop Pop Kerry" and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April, 15, at St. Jude the Apostle Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes. A visitation will be held Tuesday evening from 6-9 p.m. at the Long Neck Chapel of Melson Funeral Services, 32013 Long Neck Rd., Millsboro. Interment will be held at Epworth Methodist Cemetery in Rehoboth Beach. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions in Kerry's name to the Rehoboth Beach Volunteer Fire Company Building Fund, P.O. Box 327, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.