71 of Champaign
James “Jim” Francis Nixa, 71 of Champaign passed away Saturday, November 15, 2025.
Jim was born June 13, 1954 in Monmouth, IL. His family moved to Macomb after establishing West Side Lumber. He graduated from Western High School in 1972 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois. Jim worked on the construction of the Clinton Power Plant, as well as projects in Mountain View, California and Chicago before settling down in Champaign working for the City of Urbana He is survived by his wife, Marianne; sisters Patty (Karl Baier) Nixa and Mary Beth (Stan) Speer; brother Jack Nixa; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerry and Lorraine Nixa and his sister Kathy Hokanson.
Jim had a passion for the outdoors, hunting and motorcycling. Some of his best adventures were hunting in western Illinois and Wisconsin. His many trips to Sturgis with his motorcycle buddies were always exciting for him and “hair raising” for his wife. He was the beloved husband of Marianne Nixa for 35 years. Jim was a faithful Christ follower and loved his Maker. He will be forever missed.
Memorial contributions may be made to The Free Food Store. Please make checks out to Windsor Road Christian Church (2501 Windsor Rd., Champaign, IL 61822) with Jim Nixa’s name in the memo line.
A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be made at morganmemorialhome. com.
