James Franklin Nix, Jr.

James Franklin “J.F.” Nix Jr., 85, passed away peacefully at his home in Scottsdale on Sunday, Oct. 19, 2014 with his wife LaVara by his side.

Known by friends and family as “J.F.,” he was born on Dec. 14, 1928 in Red Bay, Ala. to James and Leona Nix. One of 11 children, J.F. was a veteran of the U.S. Army and a 37-year employee of John’s Manville Corporation.

J.F. and LaVara were married for 64 years, raising their two daughters in Zion, Ill. before moving to Arizona in June of this year. J.F. was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was an avid fisherman but never missed his children’s or grandchildren’s athletic, school and church events. The center of his life was his family, and for his family, he was the center of theirs.

J.F. is survived by his wife, LaVara; daughters, Debra Warren and Marsha Hudson, both of Fountain Hills; grandchildren, Rachel Coleman, Matthew Roe, Matthew Hudson; and great-granddaughter, Halle Roe. He is also survived by Barbara Sawicki, Michael Hudson, Tyler Coleman and Farina Roe, who he loved as if they were his own children; his three sisters, Beauton Bolton, Tumy Bolton, and Treon Frederick, all of Red Bay, Ala.

Visitation and services were held on Monday, Oct. 27, at Messinger Fountain Hills Mortuary, 12065 N. Saguaro Blvd. A celebration of his life took place following interment. In lieu of flowers, donations to Wounded Warriors would be appreciated.