John R. Nixon, 72, of Algonquin, died peacefully, August 26, 2023 at home with his family by his side.
He was born March 22, 1951 in Aurora, Illinois , the first-born son of Carl W. and Mary L. (nee White) Nixon. John is survived by Laura L. Nixon (nee Lenzi), his wife of 51 years. John is also survived by his sister, Julitta and her lifelong partner Lee Waters. He was preceded in death by his brother James E. Nixon “Jimmy”.
John and Laura shared their love with their children, Christopher (Tara Rogers) Nixon, Corinne (Gary) Cundiff, Dr. Cara Nixon (Noel Manlunas), from those bonds’ came their beloved thirteen grandchildren, Bailey Nixon, Kelsey Nixon, Rylee Cundiff, Zach Dowllar, Gavin Nixon, Brienna Cundiff, Liam Nixon, Jackson Cundiff, Delaney Cundiff, Caden Nixon, Elliot Manlunas, Max Manlunas and Abigail Manlunas.
In 1969 he graduated from West Chicago Community High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from National Lewis University and Creative Leadership Certification from Southern New Hampshire University.
Following High school John worked for fifteen years with Illinois Bell Telephone Company before he found his true calling with a 45-year career in Fire Service. Chief Nixon served proudly for twenty years with Streamwood, IL Fire Department, followed by eight years with Antioch, IL Fire Department and five years with Fox River and Countryside Fire Department.
Visitation will be on Thursday, September 7, 2023 from 4-8pm at DeFiore Funeral Home -10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. With a professional walk through at 7:30pm. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 8, 2023, 10am at St. Mary Catholic Church-10307 Dundee Road, Huntley. The burial will be at Huntley Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Fire Fighter Cancer Network at: www.iaff.org/fightcancer
For further information please contact the funeral home at 847-515-8772 or online condolences may be directed to www.defiorefuneral.com
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Chief Nixon was my first Fire Chief. He is the one that gave me the opportunity to join the fire service. Without him, I would not be where I am today as a Career Firefighter Paramedic. I will be forever grateful for the opportunities he has given me. He was a great man, Chief, and leader and a pleasure to work for. My condolences to all of his friends and family. Rest easy Chief.
My heart goes out to the entire family during this difficult time and grief. John was a kind, loving, and selfless man who was always there for anyone in need. His love and friendship changed many lives forever. I’m praying that The Lord’s warm embrace will bring you all peace and comfort.
Cori, Laura, Cara, and family. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
RIP, Chief. Thank You for Your support and encouragement! May God bless and comfort Your family. Please, accept my deepest and sincere condolences.
John Nixon was a man of many accomplishments who was well loved and very respected by anyone who was privileged to have known him. My condolences to his dear family and friends.
I will be with you until the day the Lord calls me home.....
My deepest condolences to the family.
Our sincerest condolences to the Nixon family. Mr. Nixon played a huge role in my life, and I am so thankful to have known him. Many prayers and love are being sent to all of you.
You are forever in my heart John say hi to Mom and Dad and Jimmy for me you will see me soon I love you all
Laura so sorry to hear this news. John was a great friend
Laura, thinking of you and your family. John was a fighter, that I do know. He was blessed to have such amazing family and friends by his side all the time ❤️
My dear friend Laura, your husband will be truly missed by so many. In the short time I knew him, it was obvious the kindhearted and generous man he was. My family and I will never forget John and we will forever be grateful for everything he has done for my family and son.
Condolences to Laura and the entire family. Had the pleasure of knowing John personally and professionally for over 40 years. Even got to ride motorcycles with him. A very kind man and great public servant. I was so looking forward to getting together with him since making his way back to the area. Great memories
I was Honored to have worked side by side with Chief Nixon, he loved the fire service so very much and we both learned of the community we served around the same time. He always had time to share new ideas and help me grow as an Administrative Professional, but most of all he was forever selfless, always time to listen when someone needed to talk. And his love of his family helped him get through some very difficult times while serving the Antioch Fire Dept. he will always and forever be missed and couldn't be more proud to call him my friend. My deepest condolences Laura, and the entire Nixon family & friends thoughts and prayers are with you each passing day.
John was bigger than life and quiet about it. I was blessed to be in his family.