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 of America |
| 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 February 4, 1938) is an American lawyer and real estate developer. He is also a former chairman of the Republican National Committee, a major political group in the United States.
Nicholson served as the United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs from 2005 to 2007. Before that, he was the United States Ambassador to the Holy See (the Vatican) from 2001 to 2005.
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About Jim Nicholson's Early Life
Jim Nicholson was born on a farm near Struble, Iowa. He grew up in a humble home. His brother, John W. Nicholson, also became a respected Army General.
Jim Nicholson studied at several universities. He earned a Master's degree in Public Policy from Columbia University. He also received a law degree (called a Juris Doctor or 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 together.
Jim Nicholson's Military Service
Jim Nicholson graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York in 1961. He served for eight years as an active duty officer in the United States Army.
He was a paratrooper and a Ranger-qualified officer. He fought in the Vietnam War. During his service, he received several awards. These include 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 continued to serve for 22 years in the United States Army Reserve. He retired in 1991 with the rank of Colonel. In 2005, he received the Distinguished Graduate Award from the U.S. Military Academy.
Jim Nicholson's Career in Law and Business
After his military service, Jim Nicholson became a lawyer in Denver, Colorado. He focused on real estate law. In 1978, he started his own company, Nicholson Enterprises, Inc., which built planned neighborhoods. Later, he also bought Renaissance Homes, a company that built custom homes.
Today, Nicholson works as a senior advisor at a law firm called Brownstein Hyatt Farber Schreck LLP. His work there includes advising on public policy, health care, and international relations.
He also leads the Daniels Fund, which is a large private foundation. He has served on many other important boards and councils. These include the Federal Interagency Council on Homelessness and the Board of Open World Foundation.
Jim Nicholson has received many honors and awards for his public service. Several universities have given him honorary doctorates. He has also been recognized by groups like the Volunteers of America and the Horatio Alger Association of Distinguished Americans.
Jim Nicholson's Political Career
Even though Jim Nicholson has never been elected to public office, he has been very active in the Republican Party. In 1986, he became a committeeman for Colorado in the Republican National Committee (RNC). The RNC is a group that leads the Republican Party.
In 1993, he was chosen as the Vice-Chairman of the RNC. Then, in January 1997, he became the national chairman of the Republican Party. He held this important role through the 2000 United States presidential election.
From 2001 to 2005, Nicholson served as the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See (the Vatican). This means he was the official representative of the United States to the Vatican City State. In 2003, Pope John Paul II honored him with the Grand Cross of the Order of Pius IX. This award recognized his work on human rights and religious freedom.
