Jean was the second daughter born to Roy A. Stoddard and Eliza Jane Rowley. She was raised in the Shelley, Idaho area. Jean married Arthur E. Nicholson in February of 1953. They raised 3 sons, Roy Nicholson (Donna), Harry Nicholson (Elise), and Larry Nicholson (Terry). She enjoyed and bragged about 8 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
She was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day-Saints and enjoyed leading congregational music and singing in choirs.
Jean was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Lola, and husband Arthur.