Thomas James Nickoloff

Thomas James Nickoloff was born on Jan. 22, 1963, in Billings, Montana, to his mother Alice and his father John. He had two brothers, Kenneth and Bob, and a sister Kathy.

He passed away on Dec. 15, 2023, at St. Vincent’s hospital in Billings, due to complications with cancer treatment.

He graduated from Billings West High School in 1981, and decided to travel around the United States in his pickup truck. He settled in Florida, where he married his first wife, Diedra, and spent most of his days out on the water fishing. After his divorce, he spent a short summer in New York. He then moved back to Billings, and began bartending. While he was working at The Rex, he met his second wife, Marissa. They went on to have two children, Johnathan and Montana. He was predeceased by his father John, and his sister Kathy. He leaves many aunts and cousins.

Thomas thoroughly enjoyed the water, whether he was fishing, kayaking or even just stopping by to smell the river. He traveled all around the United States, and brought many stories home with him. He was fearless, and did many things in his lifetime many others would not dare to do. He enjoyed bartending, and made it his career for 40 years. He knew how to talk to people and make them feel welcome at the bar. It didn’t matter who you were or where you came from, you could always have a seat at his bar and he would treat you with the utmost respect and kindness. He was a gentle hearted person, and would lend a hand or an ear anytime you needed it. He gave the best advice, and never judged you. He enjoyed projects and keeping his mind busy. Carpentry and fixing up houses was his specialty. He was a proud dad, and made sure that everyone around him knew that. He shared his love of baseball with his son. The Red Sox was their team, and they were able to make two trips to Fenway Park. He enjoyed watching his kids play sports, and always encouraged them to go out there and be active. He would go to every baseball, basketball, soccer or volleyball game there was and would find a spot where he could take pictures. He also captured many photos of places he’s been, and thoroughly enjoyed the sunrise and sunset. He also enjoyed capturing his day-to-day life and took many photos of the people around him. He enjoyed music and was always looking for new tracks that he could listen to while he was working. He always looked for the positive in life, and when bad things would happen, he would take it with a grain of salt and move on.

His service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec., 23, at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary, 1001 Alderson Ave. The reception will be held at Rocky Mountain College in the gym after the service.