Canisius is mourning the loss of its beloved “Colonel” with the passing of LTC (Ret) James E. McNicholas ’68, MSED ’97. He entered into rest on February 22, 2024, at the age of 77.
Affectionately known as the “Colonel” by his Canisius family, McNicholas passionately served his country, his alma mater and his community.
The first in his family to attend college, McNicholas came to Canisius on a scholarship. A member of the university’s Army Reserve Officer Training Corps, McNicholas began his active duty as a second lieutenant in 1969 at Fort Bliss, TX. He then served various staff assignments in Korea and Germany and a tour in the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in Fort Ritchie, MD.
While he traveled the world during his military career, his heart remained close to alma mater. McNicholas returned to Canisius twice, first to teach in the Military Science Program from 1975-78, and then as chair of Military Science from 1989-93. Under his leadership, the Golden Griffin Battalion earned the #1 spot in the nation for two consecutive years for exceptional performance at ROTC Advanced Camp.
McNicholas retired from the military as a lieutenant colonel in 1993 after a career that spanned nearly 25 years. He then served as director for the Junior ROTC program for Buffalo Public Schools until 2010.
For nearly five decades, McNicholas gave generously of his time, talent and treasure to Canisius. He served on reunion planning committees and supported the Annual Fund. Elected to the Alumni Board, he capped his commitment with a term as president of the Alumni Association. He provided counsel to university presidents through service on the Board of Regents from 2012 -17, and the Board of Trustees since 2019.
A familiar face and vocal presence in the stands, McNicholas was a staunch supporter of the Golden Griffin men’s basketball and hockey programs. As president of the Canisius Cage Club, he boosted membership and doubled funding for men’s basketball.
In 2018, he created the James E. ’68, MSED ’97 and Dorothy Higgins McNicholas Scholarship Fund.
McNicholas received many honors and awards for his dedication to Canisius including induction into the DiGamma Honor Society in 1990 and receipt of the LaSalle Medal in 2002.
While he often said his years at alma mater were the best of his life, it was Canisius and its students who greatly benefited from the “Colonel’s” devotion and leadership.
