Jonathan Nichols

Memories of

In loving memory of our beautiful Jonathan, who left us much too soon after an 18m battle with Leukemia. Jonathan was only 45, but left a legacy as big as his personality. Jonathan was a loving husband, a devoted dad, a much loved brother in law and uncle, an amazing son & brother, as well as brilliant friend to so so many of you.

Jonathan left his mark wherever he went, making everybody laugh & smile along the way… he truly had funny bones. Jonathan was a selfless man, always putting everyone else first. He loved his family, his friends, his colleagues, and pretty much all sports …and was as happy watching a non league football match as he was watching his beloved Leeds.

As a man, Jonathan had a remarkable career in education, becoming one of the youngest Primary school Head’s in the country, before going on to establish the Rainbow Multi Academy Trust where he was the CEO & Executive Headmaster of 9 schools.

Jonathan has always been a charasmatic, committed and innovative leader in everything he has done, never being afraid to take on a challenge or try something new. From the early days when he was the 17 year old coach of Bramhope U16 CC, to being the 21 year old captain of Bramhope FC where he led them to their record breaking 2000/01 season winning all 4 available trophies.

At this time Jonathan also took on his first teaching role at Holy Trinity Primary school where (having read about the links between fitness & concentration) he introduced and led the entire school (including teachers) in “Monday morning Aerobics,” which he did from the school roof! Whilst there he also led his young team of “first time” rugby players to win the National Tag Rugby Championship Final at Twickenham, as well as persuading Leeds United and Leeds Rhinos to send players to lead coaching sessions in PE.

This pioneering approach continued in his roles as Headmaster and then CEO, though he was never happier than coaching youth football, which he did in recent years for both Oliver & Tabitha’s teams.

As most of you will remember, Jonathan could talk for England and was never short of words, so please take this opportunity to leave a few words about him. For many of us, life without Jonathan will be a bit less bright and have a bit less colour in it, but your words, messages, pictures, and memories will be a huge comfort to all of us, and give us all something to look back on with a smile, when we remember this truly truly brilliant lad. xx

Book Owner: James Nichols

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Emma Davin

Jonathan, today it dawned on me I hadn’t written in your condolence book – apologies! But what a day to be reminded when attending The Pretty Muddy Cancer Research run in your memory, on your 46th birthday! What a testament to you and your legacy, that so many people took part, provided spectator support and donations for such a great cause. I’m sure you felt the energy from everyone taking part to celebrate YOU! Additionally, I still think about you and your caring ways often. How you always rooted for and wanted the best for everyone you met and showed that through individual support and advice along their journeys. This came in the form of big or sometimes small, yet powerful nuggets of wisdom, that will stay with us forever. Thank you and Happy Birthday up there. Kim and the kids are amazing and I know you will continue to be proud of them, your family, friends and Rainbow family for years to come. Take care, Emma xx …

July 8, 2023
6:51 pm

Billy Swift

A leader of people from a very early age in every aspect of his life, home,work,sport & of course social. The biggest compliment I can pay Jonathan is if you asked every person who he has led, or been associated with in every aspect of his life, ‘ Would you follow this man through the gates of hell?’ The answer you would get, without exception, would be an unequivocal and resounding Yes! The world is a significantly worse place without him, he had such a positive impact and effect on everyone he came into contact with. James, Kim, the children and all his family, should be, and I know they are, extremely proud of the man he was and everything he achieved. I consider it to have been a privilege knowing him, playing football, cricket & socialising with him. Genuinely don’t recall a time in his company when we weren’t laughing, joking and smiling. Jonathan’s legacy is clear for everyone to see, as the saying goes ‘What you achieve in life echos throughout eternity’ never truer than in Jonathan’s case. Jonners I miss you mate, save me a spot at the bar up there next to you, good night …

July 2, 2023
5:53 pm

Craig Russell

I was very fortunate to say that i played both cricket and football with Johners at Bramhope. He was a massive part of those teams, both on and off the field. I loved being part of those teams, and enjoyed the company of those that played, but none more so than Johners. He was always great fun to be with, always being a massive part of creating the amazing team spirit which existed in those teams, which has formed great friendships which have continued even though we no longer play in these teams today. This is evident in the memories shared on here, and in the love for him, which was evident at his funeral. Johners always cared for others, was always interested in how you were doimg and how your family was doing, and continued to be so whenever we spoke, lomg after we stopped playing football and cricket together. He went on to use this great trait to help others in his working life. I feel very blessed to be able to call Johners my friend. …

July 1, 2023
10:41 am

Andrew Aston

I was fortunate enough to be taught by Jonathan at Holy Trinity Prinary school, where he taught in year two and coached both football and cricket at bramhope. Whilst he was at the beginning of his teaching career, the same passion and amazing qualities described were ever present and he not only inspired me to persue my sporting passions but he also became my inspiration to teach and at the age of 11 told my parents how I wanted to teach just like Mr. Nichols. Now at 31, I’m a primary teacher myself, I’ve led my own sporting passions for children I’ve taught in Leeds schools and very much hope to one day to lead and follow in his footsteps. Thank you so much for being my inspiration to teach! God bless you, your family and friends. Andrew Aston …

May 9, 2023
10:09 pm

Rob Lowe

I got to know Jonathan over a number of years through serving him in Tesco’s Formby and having contact with him in relation to football involvement with kids football. I was shocked when I first found out about Jonathan’s illness and even more so when hearing about his passing which caused me much sadness. Jonathan was a lovely person, positive and he would be always smiling whenever you met him. I also thought to myself how much of interest he would take in wanting to know how I was doing whenever we spoke. I know he will be missed. I am so sorry that your family has lost a gentleman and he is in my thoughts and prayers as you all are during this difficult time. Take care and hope you all find the strength to get through this. X …

April 8, 2023
10:06 am

Anne Aitken

Jonathan and James – such a big part of Bramhope life. James- we are so sorry you have lost your amazing brother. Remember his smile and laughter, and how often you were the reason for it❤️ From Sundays in st Giles choir to school days at St Aidans and evenings in The Fox, we will always remember Jonathan as the most charming, kind, handsome man with incredible energy and we feel lucky to have known him. With Love and condolences to all the family Anne Dave & Will Aitken …

March 31, 2023
3:14 am

Sarah and Spencer

A truly inspirational man who will be very much missed. We always remember Jonathan being the one to make people laugh, being the peace maker and ensuring everyone was as ok or having a good time. Never a bad word was ever said about Jonathan, always helping others, a true gentleman, a best friend, amazing brother, brilliant father and wonderful husband. Rest in peace my friend. …

March 27, 2023
7:14 am

Rebecca Smith

Jonathan, such a wonderful man. Helped me through some of my most darkest times, he was always there to put a smile on my face. One of the kindest, funniest people I ever had the privilege to know. Rest in Peace, Free from pain. All my love to the whole family. Becci Smith xx …

March 26, 2023
10:14 pm

Lee Wood

Captain fantastic, king of the dressing room banter, giver of the best team talks and Centre half buddy. That’s what Jonny was to me. However he was so much more than that to many people as can be seen from all the heartfelt messages. He lit up wherever he was with that Jonny buzz. All one can ask is have you made the world a better place? Jonny did in spades and his legacy will live on with all of the lives he has positively influenced over the years and all kids lives he has transformed. …

March 25, 2023
11:51 am

Teresa Wormald

I express my sincere condolences to Jonny’s family and close friends. I remember him as a charming young man with a sense of humour, in my science group alongside his best friend Barney. He clearly achieved much to be proud of in his life including his family. Love Teresa x …

March 23, 2023
11:13 pm

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