Jay Nixon

JAY PATRICK NIXON

Jay Patrick Nixon, age 51 of Kahoka, Missouri, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 10, 2016 in the Great River Hospice House in West Burlington, IA, surrounded by his family following a lengthy battle with diabetes.

Jay was born May 26, 1964, in Keokuk, IA, a son of Carroll A. and Opal I. Brewer Nixon.

He was married to Julieanne Gandy in 1986 and they were the parents of Zach and Jenna.

Survivors include his mother, Opal Nixon of Kahoka, MO; one son, Zachary Nixon and his fiancé, Olivia Rairden, both of Kahoka, MO; a daughter, Jenna (Mitch) Cook of Independence, MO; two brothers, Kent (Gayla) Nixon of Kahoka, MO and Kevin (Tina) Nixon of Revere, MO; nieces and nephews: Kendra (Joe) Nichols of Burlington, IA, Kale (Katrina) Nixon and their children Koy, Kayne, Kennyck, and Kyper of Kahoka, MO, Matthew Nixon of Kahoka, MO, Amanda (Doug) Dodds and their son, Will, of Argyle, IA; aunts and uncle: Janet Nixon, Dick Brewer, and Barbara Brewer, all of Kahoka, MO; as well as many cousins and friends too numerous to count.

Jay graduated from Clark Co. R-1 High School in 1982 and attended NEMO State in Kirksville where he was a member of Alpha Gamma Rho - Beta Iota Chapter. Other memberships included the Clark County Moose and Kirksville Country Club.

Jay was raised in the Methodist faith in the Kahoka United Methodist Church and attended the United Methodist Church in Kirksville. He had most recently attended the Kahoka Christian Church.

He was employed 30 years total by Domino's Pizza, first as a franchise owner in Kirksville and later as Director of Operations for five stores in the tri-state area. Jay was a "people person", he loved being around others, brought fun into everything he did, and thought it his personal duty to make people laugh, even on his last day on Earth. He absolutely loved playing black jack and looked forward to any chance he had to play cards with his buddies. He was famous in the area for singing karaoke, his favorite tune to sing being "New York, New York" by Frank Sinatra.

Jay was an avid Kansas City Chiefs and St. Louis Cardinals fan. He "lived" for NFL Sunday. In high school, Jay wore the # 79 football jersey and it was his joy to watch Zach play - wearing the very same number. His children's activities took precedence over any other.

Jay had many interests and music was one of them. He valued his friendship with Rhonda Vincent and her husband, and loved to hear her sing. He was the world's biggest fan of Ronnie Milsap, and once stayed in the hotel room with his band after a concert. Jay attended over 40 of Ronnie's concerts, including on January 22 of this year when his children took him to his last one. He was also a huge fan of REO Speedwagon, attending over 60 of their concerts in his lifetime as well.

Jay was a good cook and enjoyed calling his children to come over for supper he had prepared. In addition, he was a very patient man with his children, friends, and his constant trials with his health. He lovingly referred to his mother as "the warden", as she was always keeping him in line. He had a special love for his dog, Myrtle, who was a constant friend to him, even in his last days. He always said his greatest accomplishments in his life were his children, Zach and Jenna.

Funeral services were held Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 2 p.m. at the Kahoka Christian Church with Rev. Jim Campbell officiating. Eulogists were Zach Nixon, Jenna Cook, Ed McAfee and Kendra Nichols. Special music was provided by vocalist Rhonda Vincent singing "How Great Thou Art". Recorded musical selections were: "Can't Fight This Feeling" and "What A Difference You've Made In My Life". Organist was Kathy Campbell. Burial followed in the Chambersburg Cemetery. Pallbearers were: Shawn Webster, Ed McAfee, Chad Humphrey, Herb Sandker, Michael Walker, Jeff Mabrey, Jimmy Thatcher, David Lee and Bob Withrow. Honorary bearers were: James and Laura Gray, Mark Butler, Jon Williams, Kelly Kipping, Jeff Shockey, Pam Oilar, Beth Bash, Kelly Rife, Brad Garrett, Domino's friends and Jay's nieces and nephews.

Friends called at Wilson Funeral Home in Kahoka after 9 a.m. Friday, May 13, 2016, with family receiving friends from 5-8 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the Chambersburg Cemetery or Great River Hospice House.

Arrangements are being handled by Wilson Funeral Home.

To send a flower arrangement to the family of Jay P. Nixon , please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.
To plant Memorial Trees in memory of Jay P. Nixon , please click here to visit our Sympathy Store.

Friends may call after 9 a.m. Friday with family receiving friends from 5-8 p.m.