NIXON

John "Jack" Francis Nixon was born in Philadelphia on May 15, 1953, and passed away, surrounded by loved ones, on November 16, 2023. Jack is survived by his wife Marie Elena "Laney" Judd Nixon. He loved his Bride, as he affectionately called her, so much that he married her twice. His children, Jack (Michele), Kathleen, Patrick (Tessa), Conor, Max, and Miles Murphy. Jack was lovingly known as Poppy to Cara and Solis. He is survived by his beloved sister Emma Young (Fred) and predeceased by his sisters Margaret, Patricia, and Jean. Jack truly loved his many nieces and nephews as well.

As a devoted father, husband, and Poppy, Jack was always there for others, even during disagreements. He always had guidance for others as was able to keep a level head and offer a wise word during even the most challenging of times. Jack was passionate about his family and had the knack of sorting through problems or issues and getting to the solution.

Jack could often be found once a week with family and friends at Quizzo flexing his knowledge on sports, films, literature, and world events. Jack was a devoted Philly sports fan who spent time at Franklin Field as a youth, was at the infamous Santa snowball game in 1968, and would make it to the Linc at least once a year when he wasn't watching at home in his favorite seat. His favorite teams were the Eagles, Flyers, and Phillies.

He also enjoyed playing golf and spent many years playing ice hockey. "Jiggs", as his teammates affectionately knew him, was considered a "den mother" of the team. The lovable, quick-witted, hard hitting defenseman was known to be the voice of reason that held the team together. He also spent many days and evenings as a spectator and coach, cheering on all his kids in their sports and activities. Jack even learned how to curl hair as an Irish Dance dad.

Jack was an accomplished engineer and leader who started out wearing a tool belt at PNB and Corestates and worked his way up to property, project, and construction management, working side by side with Bill Rouse on the Kimmel Center build, Facilities Director at the Academy of Music, Project and Construction Manager, as well as Facilities Director of the National Museum of American Jewish History, and lastly at Jones Lang LaSalle, where he frequently noted that he had found his people. Jackie Poo (think Scooby Doo) truly enjoyed and valued his relationships with his "pod" people, Rob, Heather, Craig, and Ed, and the many techs and GSA workers. Jack especially relished their workplace shenanigans.

He was a son of Ireland and America, with the gift of gab. He embodied the Philly spirit of brotherly love and always offered a helping hand. In one instance he even helped a group of French-speaking Vietnamese Canadians through the crowds in Philadelphia, so that they could see the Pope's visit.

A lifelong animal lover, Jack's pet's past and present, included horses Sugar and Cody, faithful dogs Zeus, Allie, Bandit, and Britney, crazy cats Freddie and Maggie Mae, and an aviary of ducks and chickens, whom he secretly loved and enjoyed. He loved fish... in tanks or on the end of his hook, but NEVER on his plate.

Jack loved classic rock, Irish music, science fiction, and fantasy. He could often be heard singing to a classic Queen song, enjoying an adventure on a far-off land, or sliding through time and space with Doctor Who. Jack had a strong sense of adventure and loved a good story. Jack was loved by many and profoundly missed.

"I wish it need not have happened in my time," said Frodo

"So do I," said Gandalf, "and so all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us."

- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

Relatives and friends are invited to his Visitation Wednesday, November 29, 2023, from 9:30 to 11:00 am at St. Agnes Church, (Our Lady of Hope Parish), 701 Little Gloucester Road, Blackwood, NJ 08012. Funeral Mass 11:00 am. In lieu of flowers, donations in John's memory to Animal Adoption Center 501 Berlin Road North, Lindenwold, NJ 08021 ( www.aacnj.org ) would be appreciated.