James R Nixon, DDS, MPH (July 1 1929 – May 20, 2025)
Proverbs 25:11: A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.
It is with a true sense of loss that his family announces the final resting of James "Jim" Roger Nixon. His life has been exemplified by graciousness, generosity, and true integrity. It can be said that everyone who spent any time with Jim left feeling appreciated and recognizing his inherent kindness. His passing was a closing of the eyes and drifting away surrounded by the attentive staff at Wilsonville Spring Ridge Court and his loving wife, Karol.
Jim was the middle child of five children born in Peru, Illinois, and raised in Detroit, Michigan. It is interesting that he met his wife, Roberta, while attending the same high school, however it was at university that their true love blossomed. Both attended the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, and that love joined them in marriage September 2, 1949. With the same example of generosity, Jim and Roberta's parents helped the young couple successfully complete dental school for Jim and a teaching degree for Roberta.
Shortly after graduation and a short stint of practicing dentistry as a self-employed businessman, Jim decided he preferred the opportunities presented as a civil servant and joined the Indian Health Service of the Public Health Service. By that time, Jim and Roberta had three children and moved the family to many exciting parts of the United States: Askov, MN; Belcourt, ND; Brigham City, Utah; Lawrence, KS; Oklahoma City, OK; Chapel Hill, NC; Tempe, AZ; and finally, Lake Oswego, OR, where they resided for over fifty years.
Jim and Roberta enjoyed many years in Lake Oswego entertaining often in their beautiful great room. Guests included family from across the country, the team from the Portland Public Health office, friends and family from The Way International, neighbors of their Mapleleaf Court home, and many playmates from the Tualatin Country Club. They challenged themselves with bowhunting adventures in their fifth wheel and by creating beautiful jewelry from the rocks and crystals they dug up from other adventures around Oregon. They both enjoyed golfing and playing bridge with their many friends. The couple truly had a full and rewarding life.
After Roberta's passing in 2015, Jim moved to Spring Ridge Independent Living in Wilsonville. He enjoyed his life filled with newly made friends, a wonderful staff and ultimately joined in marriage to his new love, Karol Crouse. Jim Nixon is survived by Karol, his three children, Robert, Catherine Miller and Suzanne Anthony (William); five grandchildren; and eight great-grand-children. And let's not forget his wonderful God-daughter Lynne Guynes. Please remember our father, Jim Nixon, and what a wonderful man he was who lived by principles founded in love for God and his family.
In leu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude's Children's Hospital or the VFW. Thank you!