Bruce B. Nims, pioneer and innovator for cosmetology education in Nebraska, passed away on Friday, January 13th, 2017. Bruce was born in Lincoln on December 27th, 1940, to parents Bernard and Margaret (Schroll) Nims. Bruce graduated from Lincoln High School in 1959. After attending the University of Nebraska, he entered cosmetology school. In 1965, he helped found Joseph’s College, with the late Joseph S. Cuva. The cosmetology school expanded to seven accredited campuses across Nebraska. Bruce worked in many educational capacities with the cosmetology schools. He was a recruiter, manager, educator, financial aid director, and President. Few people influenced the educational field of cosmetology in Nebraska as much as him.
Bruce served on and was appointed to many different professional organizations. He was the Legislative Chairman and later President for the Nebraska Association of Cosmetology Schools. Bruce was a member of the Lincoln Planning Commission, Private Vocational School Advisor Committee, Nebraska Coordinating Committee for Post Secondary Education, Board of Directors of the National Association of Accredited Cosmetology Schools, and State of Nebraska Cosmetology Board. He was also an avid car enthusiast being involved in both the Porsche and Corvette Nebraska car clubs. Bruce was known for his friendly and infectious personality. He nurtured students and encouraged professional cosmetologists to continue to develop their talents. His friendships with beauty industry leaders were numerous. He took great pride in bringing internationally known hair designers to Nebraska for his students, staff, and alumni to learn from.
Preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Margaret (Schroll) Nims; daughter Whitney (Nims) Morris; and granddaughter Lorissa Morris. Survived by his wife Lydia Jane; daughters, & son-in-laws, Stacy & Jeff Kastanek of Millard; Angie & Dave Miller of Elkhorn; Shawna & Jim Arrigo of Lincoln; and five grandchildren.
A celebration of life service will be held Friday, January 20th, 2 p.m., at Roper & Sons, 4300 ‘O’ Street. Visitation: Thursday, 2-8 p.m. with family present 5-7 p.m.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association or the Capital Humane Society.
In honor of Bruce, all Joseph’s College Cosmetology schools will be closed on Friday.