Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University (Jax State) is asking for the public’s help to locate student James Nichols, of Ohatchee, Alabama, who has been reported missing.
University Police received a report late Tuesday, September 2, 2025, that Nichols had not been seen since the early morning hours of Thursday, August 28.
Nichols is believed to have left campus in his 1999 blue, four-door Chevrolet Malibu (Alabama tag 11AEM5U). His vehicle was recorded traveling north on Highway 431 in Glencoe around 3 a.m. on August 28 and was later observed in Pawling, New York, on Friday, August 29.
The case has been entered into the national criminal justice database, and investigators are actively pursuing leads.
“Our officers have been working around the clock since the report was made late Tuesday, and we are coordinating closely with law enforcement in New York, where James’s vehicle was last spotted,” said Jacksonville State University Police Chief Michael Barton. “We encourage anyone with information to call University Police or submit a tip. We look forward to locating James, connecting with him, and confirming that he is safe.”
Anyone with information regarding James Nichols or the 1999 blue Chevrolet Malibu is urged to contact the Jacksonville State University Police Department at 256-782-5050. Those outside Alabama should contact their local law enforcement agency.
Out of respect for Nichols’ family and the ongoing investigation, no further details are being released at this time.
Updated Story can be found here.
