Jim Nicholson (American politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jim Nicholson
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Official portrait, c.2005
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| 5th United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs | |
| In office January 26, 2005 – October 1, 2007 |
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| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Anthony Principi |
| Succeeded by | James Peake |
| United States Ambassador to the Holy See | |
| In office September 13, 2001 – January 26, 2005 |
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| President | George W. Bush |
| Preceded by | Lindy Boggs |
| Succeeded by | Francis Rooney |
| Chair of the Republican National Committee | |
| In office January 17, 1997 – January 18, 2001 |
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| Preceded by | Haley Barbour |
| Succeeded by | Jim Gilmore |
| Personal details | |
| Born |
Robert James Nicholson
February 4, 1938 Struble, Iowa, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican |
| Spouse | Suzanne Ferrell |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | United States Military Academy (BS) Columbia University (MPP) University of Denver (JD) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Branch/service | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1961–1991 |
| Rank |  Colonel |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | Bronze Star Combat Infantryman Badge Meritorious Service Medal Vietnam Gallantry Cross Air Medal (2) |
Robert James Nicholson, born on February 4, 1938, is an American lawyer, real estate developer, and politician. He held important roles in the United States government. From 2005 to 2007, he served as the fifth United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs. Before that, he was the United States Ambassador to the Holy See from 2001 to 2005. He also led the Republican National Committee as its chairman from 1997 to 2001.
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Early Life and Education
Jim Nicholson was born on a farm near Struble, Iowa. He grew up in a simple home. His brother is retired Army General John W. Nicholson.
Jim Nicholson earned a Master's degree in Public Policy from Columbia University. He also received a law degree (J.D.) from the University of Denver College of Law in 1972. He is married to Suzanne Marie Ferrell, who is an artist. They have three children.
Military Service and Awards
Jim Nicholson graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York in 1961. He served eight years in the United States Army. He was a paratrooper and a Ranger-qualified officer.
He fought in the Vietnam War. For his service, he received several awards, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Meritorious Service Medal. He also earned the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and two Air Medals. After his active duty, he served 22 years in the United States Army Reserve. He retired in 1991 as a Colonel. In 2005, he received the Distinguished Graduate Award from the U.S. Military Academy.
Career in Law and Business
After his military service, Jim Nicholson practiced law in Denver, Colorado. He focused on real estate and city planning laws. In 1978, he started his own company, Nicholson Enterprises, Inc., which built planned neighborhoods. Later, he bought Renaissance Homes, a company that built custom homes.
He is now a senior counsel at Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP. His work there includes public policy, health care, and international relations. Jim Nicholson also serves as the chairman of the Daniels Fund, a large private foundation. He has been involved with many other organizations, helping with public service and community efforts.
Political Journey
Jim Nicholson has never held an elected public office. However, he has been very active in the Republican Party for a long time. In 1986, he became a committeeman for Colorado in the Republican National Committee (RNC). He was later elected Vice-Chairman of the RNC in 1993.
In January 1997, he became the chairman of the RNC. He served in this role through the 2000 United States presidential election. From 2001 to 2005, Jim Nicholson served as the United States Ambassador to the Holy See (the Vatican). In 2003, Pope John Paul II honored him with the Grand Cross for his work on human rights and religious freedom.
In 2016, Jim Nicholson began working as a "Senior Counsel" for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. In this role, he helped arrange meetings with U.S. government officials on behalf of Saudi Arabia.
