Mr. James Olin Nixon, or Jim or Jimmy, age 77 of Ellijay, passed away on Wednesday, January 10th, 2024 at his residence.

Jim or Jimmy, as he was known to his friends and family, was born in Atlanta, Ga., on July 23rd, 1946 to the late William Olin Nixon and the late Mary Adams Nixon. Mr. Nixon attended Briarcliff High School and graduated from Georgia State University in 1971. Nixon was a veteran, and proudly served in the United States Air Force until being honorably discharged in 1975. After graduating, he started building his family and worked at Allstate, McDonalds, Chic-fil-A, and Arby's. Later in life, he moved to Ellijay and owned several restaurants, including a long-time local favorite, The Chili Dog. His greatest accomplishment though, was raising his children and beautiful grandchildren. He loved his family, friends, a great dessert, and cars. Some of our fondest memories were seeing the twinkle in his eye as he watched softball in support of his daughter and granddaughters, and his conversations with his grandchildren about racing cars and getting into mischief with his buddies in high school. He could spot a Henri's from a mile away. He loved the sliced outside pork sandwich from Old Hickory House and asked for one often. He knew where every ice cream, sweet, or donut was hidden and would swiftly call you out if you did not oblige his ask. We know how proud he is of each of us. He was stubborn as a mule and a fierce protector of all of his daughters. He was a member of Young's Chapel Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Mary Nixon; one son, Derrick Thomas of Ellijay; five daughters, Amie Meschi of Atlanta, Stephanie Gardner (Andy) of Woodstock, Kristy Stalcup of Jasper, Tiffany Long (Brandon) of Ellijay, and Abigail Nixon of Ellijay; one sister, Carolyn Eakin of Watkinsville; Uncle, John Adams and 11 grandchildren, Michael, M.C, Hayden, Harrison, Bradley, Corbin, Haleigh, Hannah, Kylan, Mackenzie, and Ty.

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, January 13th, 2024 at 3:30 p.m. in the Chapel of Bernhardt Funeral Home with Rev. Steve Jones, Chaplain David Feathers, and Rev. Jamie Kerr officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Youngs Chapel Church Cemetery at a later date.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 13th, 2024 from 11 AM until 3:30 PM at the funeral home.

Food and flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to Abby's College Fund c/o 118 Spindrift Ct. #5590 - Ellijay, GA 30540.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of Ellijay is in charge of these arrangements.