Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University (Jax State) announced Friday, September 5th, 2025, that student James Nichols, of Ohatchee, Alabama, has been located safe in New York. University officials confirmed that Nichols has spoken with his family.
Nichols was reported missing to University Police late Tuesday, September 2, after he had not been seen since the early morning hours of Thursday, August 28. He was believed to have departed campus in his 1999 blue Chevrolet Malibu (Alabama tag 11AEM5U). The vehicle was recorded traveling north on Highway 431 in Glencoe around 3 a.m. on August 28 and later observed in Pawling, New York, on Friday, August 29.
During the investigation, the case was entered into the national criminal justice database, and University Police worked with law enforcement agencies in Alabama and New York to follow all available leads.
With Nichols confirmed safe and in contact with his family, University officials have expressed appreciation for the cooperation and support of the public and multiple agencies throughout the search.
Out of respect for the privacy of James and his family, no further details are being released at this time.
