James Sidney Mixon Jr.

WINSLOW – Very unexpectedly on Wednesday morning, my brother Jim passed away on June 26, 2024. He was born James Sidney Mixon Jr. on Sept. 18,1962, in Amite, La. He was the third child of James S Mixon Sr, and Mary Emma (Noel).

Tragically our dad passed away a year later and Mom returned to Maine with us, where her sister lived. We grew up in Winslow. Jim was a member of the Babe Ruth league in school and also participated in cross country running for the track team. He often ran the 5 miles from our house to the school as practice.

Jim ended up in Bangor, Maine at Job Corps where he learned to weld. He also met his future wife, Heather Inman. They had two beautiful children, Bridget Louise and Ryan James. The family eventually moved from Medway, Maine to Sanbornton, NH. He held various positions and soon became a member of the Pipe Fitters Association with the Local Union 537 out of Massachusetts. During this time frame Jim was able to travel with Mom to New Brunswick Canada to re-acquaint with relatives we have at the Red Bank Indian Reservation. He also established his Native status. He became a firekeeper and participated in sweat lodges, learning many customs. He was able to fish the Miramichi River and landed a 40 pound salmon on a 10 pound test line after a 45 minute struggle! He bragged about that for years!

As things often happen, Jim and Heather divorced. He continued his welding career and traveled all over the country. He did remarry and lived in Tilton, NH for a time. Though they also divorced, he retained a relationship with his stepson Eachan Witter who came to live with Jim along with Ryan towards the end of his time. Jim was in a car accident that disabled him, forcing his retirement. He came back to Winslow to retire leaving Nashua, NH.

Jim was predeceased by his parents along with Jerry and Maggie Languet, our aunt and uncle. We also lost a half brother, Monroe Mixon, as well as little Sidney James Boynton, his great nephew.

He is survived by his children Bridget of Sanbornton, NH., Ryan and stepson Eachan of Winslow. He also leaves his greatest joy, grandson Gabriel of Sanbornton, NH. Jim has two sisters, Margaret from Waterville and Carole of Caldwell, Ga. He also has three nieces, Jessica Turner and fiance Jason, with two sons Daniel and Anthony. Jaime Fagan with husband Chris, along with daughter Lorelai and Salina Young and her three children, Trinity, Harmony and Kaysin (who ironically shared my brother’s birthdate, albeit 57 years later) We also have a family of cousins, the Languets, Greg, Gary, Melanie, Denise Dolores, Cindy, Peter and Jay, along with all their spouses and children and grandkids! We grew up together and they are like siblings in my mind. We have so many native relatives in Canada and beyond, aunts and uncles, cousins… far too many to name.

Jim is also survived by our wonderful Ratlif cousins, John and Diane, Andrew (and more) They are from my father’s side and though we met them later in life, they are truly a treasure!

A Celebration of Life will be held Oct. 13, 2024 at the Sidney Event Room, 255 Trafton Road, Sidney, Maine from 1 to 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to:

the NDN Collective

(This is an indigenous-led organization dedicated to building indigenous power) https\\ndncollective.org