James Allen Nesbitt

On December 20, 2025, the wind softened, the trees bowed and the earth held its breath as a great man was taken gently from the world. A loving and devoted husband of 41 years, a father who demonstrated unwavering love, strength and devotion. A friend who offered quiet strength, deep love and a presence that will forever be felt by those who knew him, James Allen Nesbitt, passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving family, leaving behind 85 years of a legacy that time itself cannot erase. James, known to friends and family as "Jimmy, Jimbo, Nezzy and Papa," was a man of extraordinary character. Born in Swissvale Pennsylvania, March 18, 1940, Jimmy grew up with art and music in his very soul, attending college to fine-tune these talents. Moving into the world, Jimmy found that it was his duty to serve his country and became a proud Seabee, where his building and engineering genius grew. Whether it was fixing rigs and cranes, building bridges and buildings, Jim's ability to repair and build anything was a testament to his unmatched skill. He truly held the title of Navy Seabee with honor. A Vietnam Veteran, First Class Builder, skilled woodworker and machinist, James held a career in the US Navy as a Seabee for 21 years.

Not only did Jimmy build roads, buildings, and aircraft runways as well as gun positions in Vietnam, Cuba and other military hotspots, he also served aboard several ships. James served during a crucial time, building housing for incoming sailors when the Cuban Missile Crisis erupted in 1962. After his Naval retirement, in 1978 with the rank of Petty Officer First Class, Jim went back to his home state of Pennsylvania for a time and then settled in Rhode Island. There, he created his second career, building houses and running a flower shop for several years with his wife, while raising a beautiful family. His hands were always busy, whether tinkering with tools, making plaques, shelves, bird houses or taking on any project that came his way. A lover of life, Jimmy, was known for his quick wit, vivacious smile and laughter and his love of animals, particularly dogs and birds. He loved little trips to the Cape and Maine with his wife, Joanne, sitting by the ocean, overlooking the sunset. He always found joy in the simplest things-whether bird watching, reading, pencil art, karaoke, playing pool with his best friend, laughing with the grandkids, or spending time with those he loved.

With an unmatched, infectious personality, James had the ability to make anyone smile and laugh, bringing joy to any room he entered. A heart of gold, and a smile as big as his sense of humor, always ready to listen and offer support, James was always there for his family and friends, offering love, comfort, and good advice when they needed it most.

James is survived by his loving wife of 41 years, Joanne Nesbitt, his son, and three daughters, including Trisha Fowler and her husband, William F. Fowler Jr ETCM/SS (USNRET), 9 grandchildren, including Zachary, Christian, and Elaine Calhoun and William Fowler, 6 greatgrandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews, brother, David Mura, other relatives and countless beloved friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Albert A. and Iona Ruth (Smith) Nesbitt, and his sister Carol Theresa Nesbitt-Higgs.

James will be deeply missed, but his legacy of giving, brave heart, laughter, love, and loyalty will live on in the hearts of all who had the privilege of knowing him. His spirit lives on in the lives he touched, and the love he gave so freely. Per his wishes, there will be a quiet service, and military burial to follow. God Speed Seabee! CAN DO!

Family and friends are invited to Calling Hours on Wednesday, December 31, 2025 from 9am to 11am at the Dougherty Brothers Funeral Home, 595 Norwich Rd., Plainfield, CT. A Memorial Service will commence at 11am at the funeral home. Burial will follow at the Rhode Island Veteran's Cemetery, Exeter, RI.

To leave a condolence or share a memory, please visit www.DoughertyBrothers.com