James M. Niblett

James Meredith Niblett of Mesquite, TX, was born on July 19, 1927, in Hughes Springs, TX to Clarence Bryant and Minnie Mae (Talley) Niblett. On August 5, 2021 he left to be with our Heavenly Father.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and brother Charles Edward Niblett and sister Norman Jean Skipper. He is survived by his wife Kathryn Francis (Shew) Niblett, children Donna Niblett Fullen, son-in-law Michael Fullen, James Mark Niblett, and daughter-in-law Brenda Niblett; grandchildren Erika Lyons (Dwayne), Kyle Stiller (Amber), Nathan Stiller, Tabitha Miller (John), and Kristina Niblett (Chris): great-grandchildren Ethan, Jordan, Aaron, Brynlee, James, Violet, Abby Jo, Corbin, and Christopher; and numerous family and friends.

James was also known by many as Jim or Son. After graduation from Hughes Springs High School, in 1944, he joined his parents in Oak Ridge, TN, to work on the Manhattan Project. In March of 1945 he joined the U. S. Navy and was stationed in the Pacific Theater until his honorable discharge in July of 1946 as Seamen First Class. After serving his country he returned to Hughes Springs and went in business with his father when they created the company C.B. Niblett and Son, a plumbing and electrical company.

On May 7, 1949, in Hughes Springs, TX he married Kathryn Frances Shew, the love of his life. They were married for 72 years. 

In 1952, he went to work for Lone Star Steel, in Lone Star, TX, where he became a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers and remained a member throughout his life.

In 1957, he brought his young family to Mesquite, TX where he purchased his lifelong home, where they have resided ever since. He was a member of First United Methodist Church of Mesquite. He became a member the Masonic Lodge #928 in 1963.

In his younger years he enjoyed hunting and fishing with his brother and brother-in-laws. He also enjoyed traveling and camping with his family and friends. His most memorable and recent travels included a trip to England, Whales, Scotland, and Rome.

He loved to tinker in his shop, and he could fix almost anything. He loved to work in the yard and was still raking leaves until the age of 94. If anyone ever needed any help he would jump up and lend a hand. But the thing that he loved the most was his family.