James Jerome Fix

Jim was born June 2, 1943, in Harvey, ND to Alexander and Barbara (Baumstarck) Fix. After graduating high school from Notre Dame Academy, Willow City, ND he joined the Air Force in 1962 where he was assistant crew chief for the B52 Squadron stationed at Grand Forks, ND. He left the Air Force and went to Tulsa, OK working as a sheet metal mechanic with McDonnel Douglas. He attended the Spartan School of Aeronautics and earned his Airframe and Powerplant mechanic certificate. Relocating to Minneapolis he worked as a propeller repairman for Maxwell Aircraft and also obtained his commercial pilot license. Three years later he moved to Lincoln, NE opening his own propeller business, a certified repair station; Fix Prop Shop.

Over the course of 40 years of business; 1976 to 2013, Jim estimated that if all propellers were laid end to end it would reach over 5 miles (approx. 4400 propellers).

Jim gave seminars on Prop Care and Maintenance to various aircraft clubs, organizations, and fly in venues earning him the nickname "The Prop Man". He helped build an experimental 180 horse Thorp S-18; getting his tail wheel flying experience in that hot little plane. The Short Wing Piper organization has named Jim and Janice to the Hall of Fame at the Piper Museum in Lockhaven, PA for their contributions to keep general aviation flying. Jim was a chartered member of the Lincoln Experimental Aircraft Association Chapter 569 and belonged to various other aviation groups.

Jim and Janice also have another aviation related business; Hi Tech Foams which has been featured at a booth at Airventure/Oshkosh for over 40 years. In 2018 they were interviewed by a local television station that can be seen at:

https://fox11online.com/news/local/on-final-day-of-eaa-one-couple-wont-let-a-rare-brain-disease-keep-them-from-the-airshow (Scroll down after you first click on to find it)

Jim and Janice were married in 1991 and built a home outside of Crete, NE. where they were delighted to have family and friends from across the United States come to visit.

Jim loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He enjoyed donning his "apron" and firing up the grill and smoker.

Those in the aviation world are familiar with the saying "Gone West". Gone but not forgotten.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Janice Fix; children, Adrian (Julie) Fix, Daniel (Flor) Fix, Julie (Stewart) Cline, Monica (Joel) Bouwens; siblings, Sally Putz, Marion (Clarence) Bartz, Diane (Larry) Carmichael, Jackie Fix and Barbara Bjerklie; grandchildren, Brandon (Kayla) Fix, Brittany (Matthew) Nelson, Christian Fix, Brody Cline, Maria Fix, Addison Fix; great-grandchildren, Liam, Wyatt Nelson; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. Visitation will be Tuesday, February 2, 2021 at Lincoln Memorial Funeral Home from 5:00 to 7:00 pm with a Rosary at 6:00 pm. 6800 S 14th St. Lincoln, NE 68512. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 am Wednesday, February 3, 2021 at St. Francis Assisi Catholic Church. 1145 South St. Lincoln, NE 68502.

Memorials will be to a nonprofit website that discussed PSP (Progressive Supranuclear Palsy). This is the disease that robbed Jim of years with his family and friends. Janice would check it everyday for support, education, and suggestions. If you would like to participate please send check to Janice and rest assure she will gather them together and forward to the appropriate account.