Fairhope Bids Farewell to a Legend: Mayor James P. Nix

A significant chapter in Fairhope's history closed this week with the passing of retired Mayor James P. Nix at 88. He leaves behind a legacy etched into the very fabric of this beloved Alabama town.

A Quarter-Century of Service

Nix dedicated 28 years of his life, from 1972 to 2000, to serving as Fairhope's Mayor – a true millennial mayor! Before taking the helm, he served on the city council from 1968. Fairhope City Council President Jack Burrell noted, "Fairhope, Alabama would not be known the world over for its beauty and charm without the vision and leadership of Mayor Jim Nix."

From Nixon to Clinton

Think about it: Mayor Nix's tenure spanned the presidencies of Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush 41, and Clinton! He navigated Fairhope through decades of change and growth.

"The Squire of Fairhope"

Did you know there's a movie about him? "The Squire of Fairhope" chronicles Nix's efforts to transform the town, tackling issues like raw sewage in Mobile Bay and unreliable utilities. He tackled those problems head-on, paving the way for Fairhope's current success.

A Visionary Leader

Assistant Professor Delaware Arif from the University of North Alabama stated, "Definitely, Mayor Nix deserves a lot of credit for turning a small plain town with dirt roads into a model for beautification and calm/quiet community." He saw Fairhope's potential decades ago and worked tirelessly to realize it.

Honoring His Memory

Services for Nix will be held Saturday, October 18, at the Nix Senior Center, One Bayou Drive, Fairhope. Visitation begins at 100 a.m., with the funeral at 120 p.m. Let's celebrate the life of a man who truly shaped Fairhope into the gem it is today.