My sincere condolences to the entire family - Drix was such a kind and lovely man whenever I saw him at Elon -JJ is a tribute to the example Drix and Judi set for him. Sending much love. Lynne Kurdziel Formato

Drix, Judi & Family at Ellie's graduation

So sorry.  What a beautiful tribute.  Condolences to all who knew and loved him. 

Judy, I did not have the honor to know Drix, I wish I could have met him! I was so touched by the testimony of your children! No greater actions could be praised than the love and devotion of a Father! I will keep you and your children in my prayers that God will give you Peace and comfort! Love, Connie P

Uncle Drix had a way of making everyone in his world feel welcomed and deeply loved. I’ll always remember him with a video camera in hand, capturing every family holiday and every play we cousins put on. He was so present, always engaged and joyful, especially when it came to his children and the extended family he cared for so deeply. He brought fun and an infectious booming laugh to every gathering. He is so very missed. 

Drix, Judy and the kids are a very welcome second family to me. That's because they all made me feel that way and I always felt they took that lead from Drix. I was lucky enough to be the family’s go to for computer/networking issues for at least the last 20 years, and there were a few issues during that time, so I was blessed to watch those kids grow up and I count that as one of my most cherished life experiences. If I were to say a thing or two about Drix that I remember most, he was a strong believer in the appropriate decorum. He was a true gentleman 100% of the time, regardless of the circumstances. How he ordered tasks, the organizational paradigm he deployed to keep things tidy in his own mind fascinated me. I had hoped Drix might slow down a little in the coming years and maybe I could get a regular lunch booked with him, having hopes of taking in a just little bit of his world view and maybe even convincing him to change his mind on a thing or two. I can think of half a dozen conversations I’d love to have with him right now, but Drix had just one speed and sitting around talking, not getting anything done was not on the agenda. Drix was one of the most vibrant and energetic men I have ever known. He was taken from us much too soon and I will sorely miss him.

Fifty (50) years as one of Drix's sisters-in-law ~ sharing countless life events~ welcoming babies, celebrating holidays, special milestones and burying loved ones. Drix made sure Judi and his children never missed a family celebration. We were a good team in coordinating everything from flights to meal prep. Drix mastered the art of the handwritten "thank you" notes. They weren't always timely but they were always heartfelt and beautifully crafted. I saved all of them. Thanks for the marinade recipes, Drix ~ you are loved and will be deeply missed. Kathy

Drix made sure Judi and his children never missed an extended family special event ~

An in-law, a friend, a brother I never had. I love this man for the wisdom he shared with me, the help he so kindly gave without hesitation, his love of family. A life truly well lived here; an eternal life with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Well done Drix, welcome home.

Years ago, I had the honor and privilege of headlocking Drix into our men’s early morning workout group- F3 . His F3 name nickname “Hahvahd” is a playful jab at the fact that he went to Princeton and the pronunciation ,amongst a certain subset of affluent Northerners, of that other Ivy League school is Hahvahd. Hahvahd understood the mission of F3. He got himself fit , very fit . Fit enough to work out hard with men half his age while deepening his faith and developing a strong fellowship with all of us who loved him . A Drix tradition at our Wednesday workout was to bring a rugby ball to present for signature to the F3 man that had the privilege of being his workout buddy that day. None of us expected to be mourning his loss this year but that day came for him- the day he won’t be able to do F3 with us again. The men of F3 Cape Fear miss Drix deeply. He was an inspiration to us all with his work ethic, his joie de vivre, his erudition at our Bible studies, his sly humor and dry wit and his love for his family, his friends , his community and for God. Drix , we look forward to seeing you again someday. 

Having had first-hand experience with Drix’s enormous proclivity for life and living, like all of us, we are deeply saddened by his passing. For decades, I stood on his shoulders. I am forever grateful for a dear friend whose efforts, sacrifices, or wisdom provided a professional and moral compass for my life. Barb and I will miss him dearly, but will forever hold him close in our hearts and remember the profound impact he had on all of us 

My sincere condolences.  Dale, I’m wishing you and your family strength, peace and comfort in the days ahead. 

As everyone knows Drix was the very proud father of four amazing children. When his oldest child Wesley was 19 years old, she came to my home to nanny my two children. She nannied for approximately 5 years ( as did Cori and even JJ helped on occasion). During this time we became part of the Niemann family as well . Drix welcomed not only my children, but my husband Steve as well. Throughout the years we’ve developed a special bond with the entire Niemann family. Drix’s infectious laughter, big hugs, and larger than life personality will be sorely missed. Our love and well wishes extend to the entire Niemann family. 

Drix was a faithful husband, father, friend and believer.   His legacy will live on in his children and all those he loved, encouraged and befriended.  May the Lord comfort you and pour out His love and grace over you as you walk through this terrible loss.  

We are so saddened by the loss of our dear friend who shared a difficult time in our lives when our two families were coming to faith in  Christ. And we all came out on top with Jesus. We love you Judi. 

Drix was incredibly vital to the creation of NC high school lacrosse as we know it today. 

 As board president (2005), he established the North Carolina High School Women's Lacrosse Association (NCHSWLA), which organized every NC high school girls team (both public and private) to hold state championship tournaments and select all-state teams  The NCHSWLA was absorbed into the North Carolina High School Athletic Association (NCHSAA) when both boys and girls lacrosse were sanctioned by the NCHSAA in 2010.   

And then he helped maintain girls lacrosse by officiating as well as training and managing SE NC officials.  New Hanover and Brunswick County public middle school teams are especially indebted to him.

Thank you, Drix!  

I've known Drix for over 25 years. He always made me feel like family, and in a lot of ways, we were. I've been on the receiving end of joke telling, advice giving,  and even a lecture every now and again.  Conversations with Drix were the best because he always had probing questions and gave colorful insight.  I know many can speak about his infectious and robust laughter,  but I will emphasize that being in the same room with Drix while he is laughing, is an experience that couldn't be missed.   

After I heard of Drix's passing, I had a dream that Judi and I were sitting in their kitchen sharing a bowl of cantaloupe and laughing at stories that we had over the years.  It was a lovely dream and the gratitude that I have to be able to have spent time with the Niemann family over these years is immeasurable. 

Love to the family, Drix was a great man <3

Drix was my friend, mentor and inspiration.  I will miss him forever.

He was a force for goodness and justice 

Drix was such an incredible advocate for women’s lacrosse; he inspired generations of lacrosse people to do better and be better. Before meeting Drix, I was a live wire that shot off at referees with no regard for the words coming out of my mouth, but he helped me understand how to honor the game while voicing concerns appropriately. He changed my attitude, outlook, and behaviors…which ultimately changed the girls that I coach. He is the personification of pay-it-forward and the prime example of “kindness begets kindness”. Words cannot express how truly sorry I am for his loss, but I plan to do my part to ensure I inspire everyone I interact with on the lacrosse field to live up to the standards Drix has instilled in our community.