JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Senior Airman James “Nilson” Mixsooke, 30, of Unalakleet, Alaska, died at the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson hospital on Feb. 19, 2025, after a year-long struggle with an aggressive form of brain cancer.
A memorial service will be on March 3 at the Alaska Aviation Museum at the Lake Hood Seaplane Base in Anchorage, at 4 p.m. All who knew Mixsooke are welcome.
Assigned to the 3rd Munitions Squadron upon his arrival to JBER in February 2024, he served as a precision-guided munitions technician working on F-22 Raptors.
“We mourn the loss of Nilson,” said Maj. Daniel McGinnis-Welsh, 3rd MUNS commander. “He was one of the finest Airmen in the 3rd Munitions Squadron, a natural leader, and always had a smile on his face. He was a phenomenal wingman, and always put those around him at ease no matter the situation. Nilson will always be remembered by those he served with. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and the entire munitions community.”
Mixsooke was born in Anchorage and raised by an adoptive family in Unalakleet. They practiced a fishing-centered subsistence lifestyle, and Mixsooke attended Unalakleet schools, participated in sports and Native Youth Olympics, and served as a camp counselor.
He reconnected with his birth father at age 11 and spent plenty of time in Anchorage as well as in Unalakleet, benefiting from both city and rural upbringing.
He attended the University of Alaska Anchorage, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English and also met his wife, Jillian Stettenbenz. They were married in September of 2020, and welcomed their first son in December of 2022.
While Mixsooke worked in a variety of jobs, including serving his region with the Bering Straits Native Corporation, both his adoptive and biological fathers’ service inspired him to join the Air Force.
He attended Basic Military Training in October 2023 at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, Texas, graduating with honors in November, then moved to technical school at Sheppard Air Force Base in Wichita Falls, Texas, to become a munitions systems specialist, often referred to as an ammo troop.
Although Jillian had high hopes of getting out of the cold, snowy winter of Alaska, Nilson made a “dream sheet” of the bases around the world where he would like to be based; JBER was in his top five, and where he was ultimately assigned.
When Nilson returned from technical school in February 2024, he was officially diagnosed with a brain tumor. In April, he underwent surgery, and the diagnosis was a grade 4 astrocytoma. Shortly after recovering from the procedure, Nilson did six weeks of radiation and chemo. Showing his strength and resilience, he continued to run at least three miles a day and never willingly paused performing his duty and responsibilities for the Air Force or as a father and husband.
Nilson continued to serve actively throughout his illness, never letting himself be slowed or defeated. Due to being a natural leader, he mentored numerous fellow Airmen at JBER.
“Through countless medications, infusions, monthly MRIs and weekly blood draws, he showed no fear or struggle,” said Jillian. “Nilson was a fighter to the very end and left this world with just as much fire in his spirit as he had when he came into it.”
Due to his exceptional performance, positive impact on those around him and contribution to his squadron, Nilson was posthumously promoted to senior Airman and awarded an Air and Space Commendation Medal.
“Senior Airman James Nilson Mixsooke was a beloved member of the 3rd Wing,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Charles “Shell” Schuck, 3rd Wing commander. “His remarkable leadership and unwavering positivity made a profound impact on everyone around him. Nilson led by example, inspiring his teammates and fostering a sense of camaraderie in even the toughest of circumstances. As we honor his memory, we extend our deepest sympathies to his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”