James William Nieves

James (Jim) William Nieves - fell asleep in death the evening of April 16, 2015, at the age of 66. Born in Jamaica Queens, N.Y. , May 13, 1948, Graduating from Brentwood High School, L.I., N.Y., in 1966 and the NY Barber School in 1967. Jim leaves behind a great name that he made with his heavenly father Jehovah since April 6, 1963, 52 years ago when he was baptized as one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Jim is survived by his wife Barb of 43 years, children, Nicole and Alex Saenz, Bridgette Nieves, David and Maria Nieves & Jared Nieves; grandchildren, Madison, Jonathan, Joshua and Michael. Also, survived by 4 brothers, 4 sisters and 1 Aunt but also many spiritual brothers and sisters. He was known as Jim, Dad, Papa, and "Uncle Jimmy" too many but a great friend, buddy & barber to most. How often do we use the word "ONLY"? Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines the word ONLY as…"Alone in a class or category; existing with no other or others of the same kind". In many ways the word "ONLY" defined Jim. We can all recall some memories of things that ONLY Jim would do or has done for us. For many Jim was their ONLY Barber, doing this for family, friends and over 300 clients. We sit asking ourselves, "Who am I going to get to cut my hair"? Whether you sat in his chair for the 1st time, or for 10, 20, 30+ years, we all experienced what a kind, fair, generous and loving person Jim was and he considered many of you part of his family. Though he was a Barber by profession, Jim was a "Jack of all Trades" but a MASTER of ONLY one. He was a plumber, construction worker, yard & pool man….he could get it done when he put his mind to it and if he couldn't he would call MEL. Jim loved life and wanted to experience as much of it as he could. When younger he would share in the public ministry riding on a bicycle with his partner on the handlebars. His adventures continued when moving his family to Arizona in the summer heat of 1976. Some of his work consisting of having to cut hair by day and wax bowling lanes at night. Later he established JJ's Hair Company with his business partner Joe for over 25 years during which time his client base grew to over 300. Jim's clients would sit in his chair and listen to his many experiences in life and his firm belief regarding the future. He would brag about his kids and of course the love he had for his grandchildren. Jim loved being on the golf course, playing 18 holes meant it was a good day. And those who played with him knew he carried the "Rules of Golf" in his bag as a reference. When given the opportunity, he was one with the water, loving to scuba dive in Hawaii, Mexico and Belize and when he couldn't go anywhere but his own backyard - Jim would strap on his gear and just sit at the bottom of his pool. For some, Jim shared his love of the water and was the ONLY one to teach them how to swim. Jim had the patience to teach some to ride a bike, dribble a basketball, or throw a baseball. Though the final 6 months of Jim's life was full of physical pain - Jim would be seen with a big smile on his face and laughter in his voice. We will never forget some of his phrases "This Stinks"; "For Crying Out Loud"' or "For Pete's Sake". These memories of Jim are ours forever and he will be forever the ONLY Jim Nieves we will remember. How excited we are for the day Jim wakes up from this sleep and says, "What Happened; What did I Miss" and we get to tell him our memories.