- Visitation
Sunday, May 4, 2025
4:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Monday, May 5, 2025
9:30 AM to 10:30 AM
Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL
- Service
Monday, May 5, 2025
10:30 AM
Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL
- Full Obituary
James “Shades” N. Nix, 73, of Caseyville, IL, passed away unexpectedly, April 26, 2025, at Mercy Hospital South, in St. Louis, MO.
He was born on January 21, 1952, in Granite City, IL, to James C. and Marie (nee Skibinski) Nix. He was a Veteran of the United States Navy, a seaman third class during the Vietnam War. After serving his country he worked as a truck driver until his retirement.
James was a simple man in the best sense of the word. He didn’t care much for fancy things, but he cared deeply about his music, his Harley Davidson motorcycles, and the people in his life. A drummer through and through, he played in—and even started—several local bands over the years. When he wasn’t behind the drum kit, he was in the garage—buying, restoring, and selling motorcycles, only to start the process again with the same excitement each time. He had a true gift for working on bikes and never hesitated to lend a hand to a friend who needed help fixing theirs.
James was proud to be a member of multiple motorcycle clubs, where he found camaraderie and brotherhood on and off the road. His love of engines extended to four wheels as well—he enjoyed drag racing and stock car racing.
Those who knew James could always find him sipping iced tea at the Spring Garden Restaurant, in his leather jacket, cowboy boots, and sunglasses on, earning him the nickname “Shades”. He didn’t need a lot to be content. He found happiness in motion, his family, and in doing what he loved.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James C. and Marie Nix; sister, Janet Dunlap.
James is survived by his loving fiancé, Debbie Tallis; children, Tracey (Rob) Whitten, Tina (Clyde) Russell, James “Jimmy” Nix, Jr., Jaime Smith, Cory Nix; siblings, Vicki Thomas, Dennis (Beth) Nix, Wanda Thein; 16 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; numerous nieces, nephews, and many friends and acquaintances.
Memorials may be made to the Nix Family or the Caseyville Public Library.
Visitation: Sunday, May 4, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, and Monday, May 5, 2025, from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, at Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.
Funeral Service: Monday, May 5, 2025, 10:30 AM, Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.
Clergy: Pastor Ron Habermehl
Interment: Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, St. Louis, MO.
Kassly-Meridith Funeral Home, Collinsville, IL.
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