James Booker Nix, Sr., affectionately known as "JB," passed away peacefully on July 20, 2026, at the age of 91, at his home in Kansas City, Missouri, surrounded by the love of his family. He was born in Mount Vernon, Arkansas, to Harvey and Macy Nix (Owens), whose guidance and love helped shape the man he became. When he was a child, the family relocated to Tulsa, Oklahoma, where he graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1954. After high school, he proudly served in the United States Army (according to JB, in the same boot camp as Elvis Presley). He then moved to Kansas City, Missouri.

In 1959, JB met the love of his life, Barbara Lee Calvert-Cooper, and they were married on December 28, 1962. Together, they built a beautiful life rooted in faith, love, and hard work, sharing nearly 64 years of marriage and raising their four children. Family was the heart of JB's life. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, caring brother, cherished uncle, beloved cousin, and dear friend. Nothing brought him greater joy than gathering with those he loved, creating lasting memories, and cherishing every moment spent together.

JB began his career as a machine adjuster with Sosland Envelope Company until it closed. He continued his work at the National Envelope Company. While working full-time, he and his wife, Barbara, launched a real estate business together. After eight years, JB took a leap of faith, leaving his full-time job to pursue real estate full-time. Through hard work, determination, and faith, he and Barbara built a successful real estate business together named Nix Enterprises. He finally retired when he was about 80 years old.

Mr. Nix was a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Parish for over 30 years, where he served as an usher. He often visited the Mount Christian Worship Center with his children when he was unable to attend St. Peter’s. He enjoyed going to both churches. He was so devoted to his faith that he rarely missed a Sunday. Even when vacationing, he would find a Sunday service to attend. He had a personal relationship with the Lord.

In addition to being a machine adjuster, JB was a carpenter, plumber, mechanic, and a true jack of all trades. There was very little he could not build, repair, or figure out. He believed that knowledge was meant to be shared and generously taught his skills to anyone willing to learn. He was always on the go and helping someone. He was very disciplined, exercising daily well into his 80s! His strong work ethic and dependability earned the respect and admiration of family, friends, and neighbors alike.

JB was known for his quick wit, playful sense of humor, and straightforward, unfiltered honesty. He found peace in nature and loved traveling to explore new places. Alaska and Rhode Island were the only two states he did not experience. He also traveled to Mexico, Belize, Canada, the Bahamas, and Jamaica, to name a few. He enjoyed playing dominoes and schooling anybody in a game of pool. James loved BBQing and watching sports. Whether relaxing to the smooth sounds of jazz, blues, or finding inspiration in gospel music, James embraced life's simple joys. His kindness, generosity, humor, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to his family will continue to inspire all who knew him.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Harvey and Macy Nix (Owens); his brothers, Jessie Strickland and Frank Nix Sr. of Kansas City, Missouri; and his sisters, Hazel Nix and Juanita Johnson of Tulsa, Oklahoma, and Lucille LeSears of Flint, Michigan.

He leaves to cherish his everlasting memory: his wife, Barbara Nix; his four children, Pamela Nix of Kansas City, MO, Christine Pitts (Byron) of Kansas City, MO, Tracey Goff (Chauncey) of Okemah, Oklahoma, and James B. Nix Jr. of Kansas City, MO; six beloved grandchildren, Brandon Pitts (TieKea), Eric Martin, Tiffany Martin, Brion Pitts (Rachel), Kennedy Pitts, and Skyy Williams; and three cherished great-grandchildren, Kameron James Martin along with Lyric and Londyn Pitts. He also leaves behind three siblings, Rufus Nix and Odessa Nix of Kansas City, MO, and Harvey Nix Jr. of Chino, California, along with a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were enriched by his love, guidance, and friendship.

Before we go, the family would like to share a few of Dad’s classic one-liners that brought laughter and joy to those who knew him. We are sure many of you have your own favorite one-liners. Enjoy the memories!

"I'm blessed."

"We're blessed."

"If you had a brain, you'd be dangerous."

"Bless you, boy!"

"Better out than in."

"Go on with your bad self."

"All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth."

"Dummy! Dummy! Dummy!"

"Hey, Knucklehead!"

"Hey, meathead!"

"What a difference a day makes."

"Lord have mercy!"