Jim Nicholson (American politician)

Jim Nicholson
Official portrait, c. 2005
5th United States Secretary of Veterans Affairs
In office
January 26, 2005 – October 1, 2007
PresidentGeorge W. Bush
Preceded byAnthony Principi
Succeeded byJames Peake
United States Ambassador to the Holy See
In office
September 13, 2001 – January 26, 2005
PresidentGeorge W. Bush
Preceded byLindy Boggs
Succeeded byFrancis Rooney
Chair of the Republican National Committee
In office
January 17, 1997 – January 18, 2001
Preceded byHaley Barbour
Succeeded byJim Gilmore
Personal details
BornRobert James Nicholson
(1938-02-04) February 4, 1938
Struble, Iowa, U.S.
PartyRepublican
SpouseSuzanne Ferrell
Children3
EducationUnited States Military Academy (BS)
Columbia University (MPP)
University of Denver (JD)
Military service
AllegianceUnited States
Branch/serviceUnited States Army
Years of service1961–1991
RankColonel
Battles/warsVietnam War
AwardsBronze Star
Combat Infantryman Badge
Meritorious Service Medal
Vietnam Gallantry Cross
Air Medal (2)
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Robert James Nicholson (born February 4, 1938) is an American attorney, politician, real estate developer, diplomat, and former Army officer who served as the fifth secretary of veterans affairs from 2005 to 2007. A member of the Republican Party, he served as U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See from 2001 to 2005, and was Chairman of the Republican National Committee (RNC) from 1997 to 2001.