Memorial

Jerome Robert “Jerry” Nixon passed away on January 6, 2018. A visitation will be held from 9-11 am Wednesday, January 10, 2018 at Cedar Memorial Chapel of Memories with Masonic Service beginning at 9:00 am. Private Family Entombment following the visitation. 

He was born in Lincoln, Nebraska to Joseph and Lillian Nixon on April 22, 1921 and moved to Cedar Rapids in 1922.  He graduated from Roosevelt High School in June of 1938.  

He enlisted and served in the U.S. Army Air Corps and served in the European Theater during WWII.  Soon after the war’s end he married his loving wife, Phyllis, on June 14, 1946.  She passed away in January of 2013.

Jerry was employed by Barron Motor Supply Company for many years, retiring in 1986.

He was a member of the Masonic Crescent Lodge since 1948 and received his 32nd degree in 1962 and his K.C.C.H. at a later date.  He was active in the El Kahir Shrine, serving as president of the Color Guard and the Hospital Dads, with two terms as a trustee. He was appointed Chief Aide to the Imperial Potentate of the Shrine of North America for the 1986-87 term.

Jerry was a past member of Elmcrest Country Club, the Elks, and the VFW.  While serving as president of the Veteran’s Memorial Commission, he was responsible for the commissioning of the Iwo Jima statue in front of the Grant Wood window.

At age 13, he received the highest honor awarded in scouting – the Medal of Honor for Life Saving.  He also established the first Boy Scout Troop, with the help of the VFW, for boys with special needs.  This was the foundation for similar troops throughout the country with partnerships with the B.S.A. and G.S.A.

He was an avid golfer and thoroughly enjoyed his family and friends.

Jerry is survived by a daughter, Barbara Green of Cedar Rapids, and a son, Robert (Lynn) of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  He has four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.  He will be deeply missed by so many others.

In lieu of flowers, any memorials may be given to the Hospice House of Mercy, St. Paul’s Methodist Church, and the Shrine’s transportation fund for Hospital Dads.