Former Fairhope mayor James P. Nix passed away at the age of 88 on Tuesday, Oct. 14.

Nix served on Fairhope City Council from 1968 to 1972, after which he was elected as the city's mayor, serving seven consecutive terms from 1972 to 2000. Along with his work in Fairhope, Nix also served as chairman of the board of trustees for the University of South Alabama as well as president of the League of Municipalities for Alabama.

Nix was credited for giving Fairhope its modern charm, such as with the city's "downtown beautification" process, under his tenure. He was also credited with overseeing economic success in Fairhope during the 1980s. The city's senior center, located at 1 Bayou Drive, the James P. Nix Senior Center, is named in his honor.

Nix is survived by his wife, Dr. Margaret Meyers Nix, and their three children: Vicky (Mike) Cook, Phil (Molly) Nix and Susan (Gene) Tillman. He also has six grandchildren: Amber (Buck) Clukey, Hailey (Thomas) Gulledge, Stacy (Thomas) Hines, Rachel (George) Ladd, Stephen (Andrea) Nix and Sarah (Chris) Jennings, along with nine great-grandchildren and his brother, Nolan (Janet) Nix.

In honor of Nix, Gov. Kay Ivey ordered flags in the City of Fairhope to be flown at half-staff on Saturday, Oct. 18.

"I was hired by Mayor Nix in May 2000 as he was approaching the end of his career. His vision for Fairhope was centered around creating a beautiful and economically thriving city," Fairhope Mayor Sherry Sullivan wrote on social media following his death. "I am grateful that he was able to witness the success of his endeavors. The city's present state is a direct result of his visionary leadership and guidance."

His family has requested that memorials be made to the University of South Alabama, the Parkinson's Foundation or the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.