James Cecil “Jimmy” Nixon, 71, of Edenton, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at his home on September 7, 2026, surrounded by the place he called home and the memories of a life well lived.

Jimmy was born on August 25, 1955, to the late Murray L. Nixon Sr. and Marian White Nixon. He was preceded in death by his beloved first wife, Patty Nixon, and his granddaughter, Hailey Nixon.

Jimmy leaves behind his devoted wife, Jewelette “Jewel” Nixon, with whom he shared a life filled with love, family, laughter, and countless memories.

He is also survived by his daughters, Danae Yount and husband Jimmy of Edenton, Mary Spruill and husband Fred of Monroe, and Nancy Harrup of Galax, VA; his sons, Steven Nixon and wife Ashley of Belvidere, and Michael Nixon and wife Suzie of Camden; his stepdaughter, Eva White and husband Buddy of Elizabeth City; and his stepsons, Anthony Dillon and wife Ashleigh, and Jonathan Cahoon and wife Rebecca, both of Manteo.

Jimmy’s greatest treasures were his grandchildren: Savannah and Mark Yount, Briana Rodriguez, Gavin and Grayson Nixon, Paige Dillon, and Harper Cahoon. He took great pride in each of them. He also leaves behind brothers and sisters, along with a large and loving extended family whose lives were touched by his presence. His family was an important part of who he was.

To know Jimmy was to know his love for the outdoors. Fishing wasn’t simply a pastime for him—it was a way of life. If there was a quiet place to sit, a fishing rod in his hand, and a bucket beneath him, Jimmy was probably exactly where he wanted to be.

But perhaps what made Jimmy’s love of fishing most special was that he never kept it to himself. He loved teaching others, especially children, about the joy of being outdoors. Many kids learned how to hold a fishing rod, cast a line, and appreciate the simple excitement of watching that bobber disappear beneath the water because Jimmy took the time to teach them. And he did it the way Jimmy did so many things—with genuine joy and the biggest smile you’ve ever seen.

Those who knew him will remember Jimmy not only for his love of fishing, but for the way he made people feel. He had a way of turning an ordinary afternoon into a memory, and a simple fishing trip into something worth remembering for a lifetime.

Jimmy leaves behind more than a family—he leaves behind generations of memories, stories, lessons, and moments that will continue to be shared. His fishing rod may now be still, but the lessons he taught, the smiles he gave, and the love he poured into his family will continue to ripple outward, just like the rings left behind when a line touches the water.

He will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever carried in the hearts of those who were blessed to know him. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at David’s Red Barn, 1008 David’s Red Barn Lane, Edenton, NC 27932.

Family and friends are invited to come together to celebrate Jimmy’s life, share stories, remember his beautiful smile, and honor the man who found so much joy in a fishing rod, a bucket, the great outdoors, and the people he loved.