Jim Nicholson (Secretary of Veterans Affairs)
| Jim Nicholson | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| 5th United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs | |
|
In office January 26, 2005 – October 1, 2007 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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 |
|
| 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(s) | Suzanne Ferrell |
| Children | 3 |
| Education |
United States Military Academy (BS) Columbia University (MPP) University of Denver (JD) |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |
 United States
|
| Service/branch |
 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 "Jim" Nicholson (born February 4, 1938) is an attorney, real estate developer, and a former Republican Party chairman. He was the United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs from January 26, 2005 until October 1, 2007.
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". He is the brother of retired Army General John W. Nicholson.
Nicholson has a Master's degree in Public Policy from Columbia University. He received a law degree from the University of Denver College of Law in 1972.
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 children.
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, Combat Infantryman Badge, the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, 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.
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