John Sidney Nix

John Sidney Nix 1948-2016 John Nix was born in Sardis MS on July 9, 1948 to Jack and Mary Nix. His father Jack was a member of the USAF so John’s early years were ones of relocation to new military bases every 3 years. Because of these constant relocations a military family develops exceptionally close ties. Such was the case with the Nix family. The family lived in several states even spending 3 years in Bordeaux, France when John and his brother Scott were in elementary school. Fortunately, his father was stationed at Keesler AFB for John’s high school years with John graduating from Biloxi High in 1966 (where he was a standout football player for Biloxi in the 1965 Shrimp Bowl). After graduation John decided that he had had enough moving in his life and adopted Biloxi as his home. Being the person that he was the people of Biloxi likewise adopted him! He obtained his Associates degree from Gulf Coast Community College. John followed in his father’s footsteps doing a stint in the USAF during the Vietnam War period. His personal strengths of honor and integrity lead him to a career of public service as a Deputy of the Harrison County Sheriff’s department where he was selected Deputy of the Year for years. His public service continued when he retired from the Sheriff’s department to become a Gaming Agent for the Mississippi State Gaming Commission. He retired from the Gaming Commission. Retirement enabled him to spend more time with his computers, his pets and his family (his first love). John’s love and commitment to Biloxi and its people never wavered. John is predeceased by his mother, Mary Nix and his father, Jack Nix. His is survived by his beloved wife of 38 years, Kathy, his beloved daughter, Johneen, his stalwart son, Brad, Brad’s wife, Angie and their two daughters Makayla and Alyssa and his brother, Scott and Scott’s wife, Kathryn. A memorial service will be held for John on Saturday, March 19, 2016 at 12:00pm at the Cedar Lake United Methodist Church, 12332 Cedar Lake Rd, Biloxi, MS 39532. Visitation will be 10:00am to 12:00pm. John will be inurned at a private ceremony at a later date. Family prefers donations to Cedar Lake United Methodist Church, Building Fund or Youth Fund or Canon Hospice, Gulfport, MS. Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home, Howard Avenue Chapel is in charge of arrangements. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com