James "Pee Wee" G. Nixon

James G. “Pee Wee” Nixon, 68 of Devils Lake, ND passed away peacefully on Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at the Veterans Administration Hospital in Fargo, ND with Jane at his side. Funeral Services for Jimmy will be held on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake with burial in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars and the North Dakota Military Funeral Honors Team. Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home on Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. until time of service. James Gregory was born on July 21, 1946, son of Russell and Gladys (Nelson) Nixon at Devils Lake, ND. He grew up on the family farm near Southam, ND as one of six children. He attended elementary school in Southam and graduated from Devils Lake Central High School in 1964. In high school he participated in basketball and baseball and many other activities and this was also when he got the nickname “Pee Wee”. He continued his education at Minot State College. On August 1, 1968, Jim entered the United States Army and served his country during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged on May 1, 1968 and returned to the family farm and continued to farm alongside his Dad. After his Dad’s death, Jim took over operation of the farm. Jim’s love of the land, from seeding to harvest was a part of his life until his death. Jim met Jane Sampson on March 23, 1992 and they made a beautiful life together for 23 years. From 1983 to 1993, Jim was the assistant coach for the Lake Region Girls Basketball team under Duane Schwab. Jim’s passions in life were family, friends and sports. He was a NASCAR and basketball fan, he played fast pitch softball for many years and really any sport you could wager on, Jim was there to get the pool started. “The Garage” was the perfect place to “hang out” with friends, play cards and watch TV. Jim was diagnosed with cancer in October of 2014 and fought a courageous battle with the love and support of Jane and family and friends. Jim is survived by his precious Jane; sister Gwen and Ken Mukomela of Marshall, MN; brothers Charles “Chuck” and Jan Nixon, Brentwood, CA and Terry Nixon, Devils Lake; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Russell Patrick Nixon and William John Nixon.