Jimmie Lee Nixon

Jimmie Lee Nixon, 86, of Tilton, IL passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, May 21, 2024, at 11:50 PM at his daughter’s home in Westville, IL. 

Jimmie was born on April 5th, 1938, to James and Lucille Nixon. He is preceded in death by his parents, brother’s Jack Nixon, Gene Nixon, Charles Nixon and sister’s Dottie Nixon, Patty Nixon, and daughter Penny Lindsey.  He is survived by his sisters, Sue (Bill) Branham and Unita Summerlot, his children Jim (Holly) Nixon, Gary (Marsha Stringer) Nixon, Susie (Ben) Jenkins and Jamie Nixon-Jurumbo, his Grandchildren Dakota James Nixon, Noah Nixon, Savannah Nixon, Gary Jr. Nixon, Nathan Hompland, Nicole Hompland, Matthew Lindsey, Stevie Matthews, Tamara Hardesty and Clayton Nixon-Jurumbo, his great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. 

From a young age Jimmie was a very talented artist who mastered his skills. He worked at Esco for nine years, a construction worker for many years even helping repair memorial bridge in Danville, IL. He also was a self-employed vendor who opened booths at the Covered Bridge Festival, Gun Shows, Gordyville, also in Friendship, IN and many other places. Jimmie eventually focused only on his skills and became a self-employed Certified Master Engraver. 

Jimmie married Doris Combs and had four children together Jim, Penny, Gary and Susie. Jimmie and Doris divorced. He later met and married Beverly Edwards and had one daughter together Jamie. Jimmie and Beverly divorced and stayed good friends up until he passed. 

Jimmie was a very skilled craftsman and extremely talented artist. He loved drawing, sketching, wood burning, engraving, whittling, scrimshawing, sculpting, making jewelry, metal smithing and creating things. His imagination and creativity were one of a kind. 

Jimmie was very proud of his work and sought out for custom jobs by many famous musicians including Hank Williams Jr. and many international clients. His pieces of work can be found internationally as he did work for many people outside the USA always signing each piece with J L Nixon. Jimmie’s work has been featured in guns and ammo magazines as well as engraving books. 

Out of all his work his favorite was custom engraving guns and knives. He loved watching sports, going to the races, flea markets, rummage sales, listening to music and being around people. You would always see him out riding his motorcycle with a smile on his face. Everyone who knew Jimmie knew he loved to stay busy and could always be found tinkering in his workshop. He had a unique perspective on things and a fascination with figuring out how things worked so he could fix anything. 

Jimmie was very proud to be a descendant of the Native American culture and expressed such in some of his work. Jimmie had an uplifting charming charisma about him that radiated positive energy. He was a kindhearted trusting genuine young soul with a wild spirt who loved to laugh. He always saw the good in people. He had a smile and laugh that could light up a room. Jimmie was loved deeply and will be very missed. 

Visitation will be held Saturday, June 1, 2024, from 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm with Funeral Service at 1:00 pm at South Side Church of Christ, 611 Forrest Street in Danville, IL with Minister Dave Martin officiating. Floral arrangements can be sent to South Side Church of Christ from 11:00 am - 11:45 am on Saturday, June 1, 2024. 

            Online condolences: www.rortvedtfuneralservices.com.

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