By Melanie Tuttle
Posted: Updated:
8 Comments
  • 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.

Condolences are reviewed and published within 24 hours.

8 Condolences
 
  1. Linda Peters / April 30, 2025 at 1:21 pm

    Remembering you always, Shades. You were a great man and friend. RIP my friend.

  2. Leah R Dyson / April 30, 2025 at 4:46 pm

    RIP Jimmy. Bobby and I will remember all the fun times we had. Our hearts and prayers go out to his family and friends.

  3. Barry K Tremmel / May 1, 2025 at 5:33 pm

    Ride that motorcycle
    AĹL DAY EVERŸ DAY SHADES,ENJOY, YOU WILL BE MISSED

  4. Danielle Hall / May 3, 2025 at 10:53 am

    I met shades in 2004 as a waitress at Spring Garden. He was always respectful, polite, and truly one of a kind. Growing up around motorcycles myself, him and I always seemed to be able to have easy conversations. I am so sorry to hear of his passing, and he will be missed dearly. Thoughts and prayers to his family during this time.

  5. Jay n Linda n lacey palmer / May 3, 2025 at 6:26 pm

    Met shades over 20 years ago out on motorcycle we were building a chopper motorcycle in the family room of our house in Collinsville he stopped buy few times to help n just hangout nhave a few drinks it was always good to see him he was good to us and had a lot knowledge about Harleys he will be missed.

  6. Christine Morstain / May 4, 2025 at 10:48 am

    Fly High Shades!
    You’re a great guy,you will be missed

  7. Peggy Burns / May 4, 2025 at 11:06 am

    My condolences to his family & friends . I’ve known him since I was 15 having all of us grown up on Bethel Rd area. Always kind & funny. Was glad I ran into him on a visit in 2012 . He even went to church with us. You’ll be missed my friend .

  8. Carolyn Zimmerman Sickmeier / May 4, 2025 at 1:27 pm

    So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with Jim’s family and friends (from a very old neighbor on Bethel Rd.)

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