(Archival)
GM3FJP / VU2JP James Shepherd Nicholson
Nick GM3FJP (c) with Vic GM3OWU (l) and Jim GM3PFY (*r) at NFD at Inverleith around 1963.
“Nick” lived in Liberton from 1956, after returning from India, until his death in 1970. His station consisted of a Labgear LG-300 150W AM/CW Tx, Eddystone 888A amateur-bands Rx and a 3-element cuibical-quad antenna.
The following obituary notice from RSGB RadCom in June 1970, written by LRS member Rev. Walter Ferrier GM3BDA gives a comprehensive report on Nick’s amateur career:
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The death took place recently in Edinburgh of Mr J.S. (“Nick”) NIcholson, VU2JP / GM3FJP. Like so many young people, he became and ardent SWL, and when he left Scotland to become a tea-planter in India in 1928 he soon became licensed as VU2JP.
He found in Amateur Radio not only a link with his homeland but a channel of worldwide friendship. Nick’s heart was always in DX – particularly CW DX. From 1934 onwards the list of awards he won during the following 20 years or so is long and honourable. To mention only his major achievements – in 1935 and 1936 he won the BERU Junior Challenge Trophy, and came second in 1934 and 1937. In 1949 and 1950 he won first place for all-band CW in VU2 in the CQ DX Contest. He gained BERTA in 1952 and the Empire DX Award in 1955.
At the end of 1956 Nick returned to Edinburgh and was allocated the callsign GM3FJP. He did much to encourage the younger generation of listeners, particularly the boys at his old school, Daniel Stewart’s College, but he still found time to win, in 1958, the first place for Scotland on all-band CW in the CQ DX Contest. He also held office as President of the Lothians Radio Society in 1960-61.
His death was sudden and unexpected. At his funeral service, conducted by the Rev. Walter M. Ferrier GM3BDA, and the Rev. A. Balgrie, there were many Edinburgh amateurs present to pay their last tribute to their friend and colleague. Nick is survived by his widow and two sons. W.M.F.
(RSGB RadCom June 1970).
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