Jim Nicholson (U.S. politician)
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Robert James "Jim" Nicholson (born February 4[U.S. Envoy Thanks Pope for Prayers and Closeness], a post-9/11 press release from the Zenit News Agency, 1938) is an attorney, real estate developer, and more recently, a former Republican Party chairman and recent political appointee. He has been the United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs since January 26, 2005.
Political career
Nicholson has never held elected office, but has long been active in the Republican Party. In January 1986, he was elected committeeman from Colorado for the Republican National Committee (RNC). In 1993 he was elected Vice-Chairman of the RNC, and was the "surprise pick"[Coloradan Nicholson to lead Veterans Affairs], a December 2004 Denver Post article for GOP national chairman in January 1997. He served in that role through the 2000 presidential election.Between 2001 and his appointment as Secretary of Veterans Affairs, he served as United States Ambassador to the Holy See.
Legal and business career
Before becoming active in civilian government service, he practiced law in Denver, Colorado, specializing in real estate, municipal finance and zoning law. In 1978 he founded Nicholson Enterprises, Inc., a developer of planned residential communities, and in 1987 he bought Renaissance Homes, which became an award-winning builder of quality custom homes.Military service
He is a 1961 graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York and served eight years in active duty. He was a paratrooper and Ranger-qualified Army officer. He fought in the Vietnam War, where he earned the Bronze Star Medal, Combat Infantryman Badge, the Meritorious Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry and two Air Medals.After thirty years of military service he retired in 1991 with the rank of Colonel.
Personal life
Nicholson was born on a farm near Struble, Iowa. Nicholson has characterized his childhood as "growing up dirt poor in a tenant house without plumbing and sometimes without food".Nicholson has a Master's degree in Public Policy from Columbia University. He received a law degree from the University of Denver in 1972[College of Law History Alumni Image Collection] from the University of Denver.
Nicholson is married to the former Suzanne Marie Ferrell of Highland Falls, New York, who is an accomplished artist. They are the parents of three adult children.
Trivia
- Nicholson is credited with leading the development that turned Parker, Colorado into a fast-growing suburb of Denver.
- Nicholson was a designated survivor during the 2006 State of the Union address.
References
External links
- [Video Interview with Jim Nicholson (The Talent) 11 March 2004]
- [Official biography] from the Department of Veterans Affairs website
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