Elder James Washington Nixon, Jr., lovingly known as “Jae” was born on November 3, 1956, to James Washington, Sr., and Rev. Sallie Creech Nixon in Glen Cove and was reared in Westbury, Long Island. He was their only son and the youngest of four children. One sister remains, Overseer Mildred Marie Nixon, who he lovingly called, “Boo Boo”. James was recognized early in life as a musical child prodigy. At age 6 he began playing the piano just by observing his Pastor at Holy Trinity Baptist Church in Westbury, the late Rev. Rose Alexander, and his mother play, who later became Assistant Pastor. At age 7 he accepted Jesus Christ as his personal Savior.

Without formal keyboard instruction, James played the piano and organ skillfully and served with distinction as Holy Trinity’s organist until age 14. He was led to continue his music ministry, playing the organ for several churches and training choirs in New York City’s five boroughs. In 1974 he graduated from Westbury High School and later studied Child Psychology at Nassau Community College – no wonder he had such an appeal to youngsters, especially his own.

James ministered in music and song to countless churches and choirs. He played, directed, wrote songs, and trained voices for the likes of Queens – Mt. Carmel Youth Ensemble under the leadership of the late Rev. Lemuel Smith; Mt. Zion Baptist Church; Faith Tabernacle Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Solomon Roberts; Long Island City’s Gospel Choir under the leadership of Bishop Mitchell G. Taylor; First Baptist Church of Far Rockaway under the leadership of Rev. Duane M. Sleet; Arverne Community Choir under the leadership of Bishop Mario Reese; The Rockaway Cathedral (during the Pandemic as a virtual organist) under the leadership of Attorney and Pastor Marlon G. Kirton. Brooklyn – Pilgrim Church under the leadership of the late Archbishop Roy E. Brown; Mt. Calvary Radio Choir under the leadership of the late Rev. Dr. Jeremiah Fennell (they were first-place winners of the original McDonald’s Gospelfest); St. Anthony’s Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. B. McCollum; Southern Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Michael Johnson; Brown Memorial Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev. Samuel Austin and Rev. Clinton Miller; and Mt. Hope United Holy Church under the leadership of Elder Horton C. Jenkins, Jr. Bronx – Abundant Life Tabernacle under the leadership of Bishop Jasper Rolle, Sr.; and Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Oyster Bay (Nassau County) under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Kent Edmonston. Also, the Macedonia Baptist Church in Arverne, New York under the leadership of Overseer Evan Gray, who was also gracious to Elder Nixon.

James had the ability to write songs anywhere – in a studio, on the organ, in a car, or in a restaurant – wherever the Spirit of God downloaded them. He curated many musical contributions, and one of his firsts was, The Price Sisters, comprised of famed R&B singer, Kelly Price, and her sister, Shanrae “Cheree” Price, who were then teenagers. On the day of his high school graduation, he forsook all celebrations to go to Haynesville Correctional Center (Camp 17), a Virginia prison, to sing and minister to inmates. He brought along as backup, The Price Sisters and they “shook the jail” just as Paul and Silas did. He also mentored another sibling group, The Charley Sisters, and the youngest, Gwendolyn, became one of his goddaughters, aiding him whenever he called. Then there was Agape, a gospel ensemble comprised of young people from around the Metropolitan area, who loved to sing for the Lord, and who followed Elder Nixon anywhere. Then the Queens Fellowship Mass Choir emerged like a Phoenix, and their album, “Yes” was produced and released in 1997.

Taking his musical presence to the next level, Elder Nixon then birthed Dunamis Ministries (which means, Power or Raw Force). They are indeed a force to be reckoned with. Elder Jae Nixon sang in countless concerts and gospel celebrations throughout the five boroughs and across this great land. In March 1994 Dunamis released their first album, “I’m a Witness He’ll Make It Alright,” under the Savoy/ Malaco Records label.

Throughout his musical tenure Elder Nixon was blessed to pen songs that were featured on the projects of other great artists like the late Rev. Timothy Wright and the New York Fellowship Mass Choir as well as the late Bishop Jeff Banks and The Revival Temple Mass Choir. He has also shared the stage with the likes of the late Bishop Walter Hawkins, Rev. Milton Bingham, Bishop Hezekiah Walker, Richard Smallwood, the late Rev. James Moore, Pastor Donnie McClurkin, and countless other extraordinary artists. Elder Jae Nixon and Dunamis were blessed to be featured twice on BET’s Bobby Jones Gospel program. Dr. Bobby Jones recognized and applauded Elder Jae Nixon’s talents and gifts.

Several years ago, Elder Nixon received an honorary doctorate for his work in the gospel music industry.

Elder Nixon was indeed a gospel-recording artist but also was a lover of the word of God, ordained to preach the word of God, and was indeed a respected and renowned preacher. For a time, he founded and pastored a local church he named, The Victorious Worship Center. Countless souls were saved and lives forever changed through this dynamic ministry. Equally, he submitted to the wisdom of great fathers in the gospel like the names aforementioned, as well as the late Archbishop Wilbert S. McKinley and the late Prophet Rogers G. DeCuir, to name a few. In his later years, he submitted himself under the leadership of his son, Bishop Darius J. Nixon, becoming a part of the Inner City Prophetic Ministries of Jamaica, New York.

While he was a man devoted to his craft, who maintained a worshipful relationship with God, Elder Nixon was hilariously funny. He was the life of any setting. It was tough to be upset with him because he always used humor to bring you back from a bad space. Even a corny joke became hilarious when wedded with his infectious laugh. Elder Nixon was balanced in his love and admiration of others, taking many young men under his wing to cultivate their raw gifts and talents. More than likely wherever you saw Jae, inevitably Mike “Suga” Allen, Melvin “Mel” Chandler, and Darryl “Baby” McClary were in tow.

A true quintessential GOAT (Greatest Of All Time), Elder Nixon inherited distinctive gifts from his mother, the late Rev. Sallie Creech Nixon; and in true succession form, Elder Nixon’s mantle inescapably passed to his children.

Recently from his hospital bed, he had been working on music for a new album entitled, “Pandemic.”

At a celebration of his 65th birthday this past year, Elder Nixon recounted:

“I played keyboard for 59 years. I wrote my first song, “I Shall Live Again” over 50 years ago. I’ve been saved for 58 years. I preached my trial sermon at age 17 and was licensed by Elder R. L. Palmer of the Fire-Baptized Holiness (“F.B.H.”) Church of God of the Americas. At 18 years old at Mt. Carmel F.B.H. Church (under the leadership of the late Rev. Lemuel Smith), I was filled with the Holy Ghost while the revivalist Bishop Alfred Williams, a young man himself from one of New Jersey’s F.B.H. churches, preached. I was ordained 39 years ago by the late Bishop W. E. Fuller, General President of the F.B.H. Church.”

Elder Nixon was quoted at that same occasion saying, “I have been blessed with 2 handsome sons, and a beautiful daughter; plus 10 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, and God has kept me alive to witness all of this.”

Elder James W. Nixon, Jr. leaves to cherish his memory 2 sons – Darius J. Nixon and Terrince T. Nixon, and his Spouse and Mother of his 2 sons – Bridgette A. Nixon. A daughter – Jasmine Freeman (whom he helped raise from age 3, co-parenting with Brenda Barbara Young). 10 Grandchildren – Naquise, Heaven, Paige, London, Briana, D’asja, Taquasja, Tanasja “Moonie,” Lynell, and Roman; 3 Great-Grandchildren – Carter, Kailani, and Leia. 1 biological Sister – Mildred Marie Nixon, 1 Brother-in-law – Angelo Welch. Nieces and Nephews – Aaron, Jr., Veronique, Angela, Emory, Thomas “Tony,” and Sallethea “Toy.” Also, an extended set of siblings (gained through his Godmother, the late Barbara Blackston) – Harold Jr., Maureen, Mike “Suga,” Nina, Najhda, Christopher, Rose, Morris “Ray”, Albert, Herbert, Ronnie, Thomas, and Boodha. The mothers of his Grandchildren (whom he cherished as daughters) – Tanisha, Shanika “Hope,” Rasheeda, and Lashelle. A host of Cousins, extended Nieces and Nephews, his innumerable Godchildren, and countless Friends from all over.

A special thank you goes to one of Elder Nixon’s dearest friends, who was like his Sister, Kim “Slim” Jenkins (Horton) for her unending support of her Friend/Brother. Recognition also goes to Dr. Polina Khanina who was Elder Nixon’s Primary Care Physician for almost 15 years; and his home attendant, Paula Hill, who assisted and accompanied him for almost a decade.