A long chapter in the history of Fairhope, Alabama closed Tuesday. Retired Mayor James P. Nix died at age 88.
He took with him the story of over a quarter century, a vital part of Fairhope.
Nix had served as Mayor of Fairhope for 28 years, from 1972 to 2000. He served through the turn of the century – a millennial mayor. Before being elected Mayor, he had served on the Fairhope city council from 1968 to 1972.
“Fairhope, Alabama would not be known the world over for its beauty and charm without the vision and leadership of Mayor Jim Nix. Rest in Peace, Mayor. Your legacy will be felt for generations to come,” Jack Burrell, Fairhope City Council President said.
To put his time at the helm of Fairhope into historical perspective, Mayor Nix served under U.S. Presidents Nixon, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush 41, and Clinton.
He finished his Mayoral tenure during the contentious 2000 presidential election between Bush 43 and Al Gore.
How many Alabama Mayors have had a movie made about them and their work in office? Jim Nix is one.
The Squire of Fairhope is a film about Nix steering Fairhope from a town with no sewer treatment, the dumping of raw sewerage into Mobile Bay, rust in the water, and electrical service on the blink. He “nixed” those problems and guided Fairhope into the sought-after town it is today.
The Jim Nix story is much too long for this article. Nix wrote his autobiography, “Building Dreams: The Legacy of Fairhope’s Visionary Mayor.”
“The City of Fairhope is a hidden gem in the state. Visitors realize the scenic beauty of the city, the vibrant food culture, and the serenity in its life style,” Assistant Professor Delaware Arif, University of North Alabama says.
“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 in the city of Fairhope. And, I am not surprised with his contribution for the city as he has always been ahead of the times and an early adapter of major developments. He realized the potential of the City of Fairhope a half a century ago and worked to optimize all its potential.”
Services for Nix will be on Saturday, October 18 at the senior center that bears his name, The Nix Senior Center, One Bayou Drive, Fairhope. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. and the funeral will be held at 12:00 p.m.
Jim Zig Zeigler is a contributing writer for Yellowhammer News. His beat includes the positive and colorful about Alabama – her people, events, groups and prominent deaths. He is a former State Auditor and Public Service Commissioner. You can reach him at [email protected].
