John William Nesbitt

John William Nesbitt, 68 of Salem departed this life on Saturday, October 29, 2016 in the United Hospital Center, Bridgeport. He was born in Clarksburg on January 23, 1948 a son of the late James Wilson Nesbitt Sr. and Margaret Faye Davis Nesbitt.

Surviving are his former wife, Lauren Rebecca Howell Nesbitt, Salem, one brother, James Wilson Nesbitt Jr., Parkersburg, one sister, Nancy Anne Nesbitt Bradford White, Logan, OH.

He had a happy childhood on a small farm at Boaz until the sudden passing of his father. He then went to live with his grandmother in Columbus, OH where he graduated from Central High School. John studied drafting and boat building, then attended Salem College and studied Museum Studies at Fort New Salem. He obtained a Regent's Degree from Fairmont State University. As a child John attended the Sand Hill United Brethren Church and was currently a member of the Salem Day Baptist Church. He was a member of the Sand Hill 4-H Explorers. John and his family are original decedents of the settlers of Salem.

Mr. Nesbitt was a Quality Control Inspector for several companies. He also owned and started a boat building company in Marietta, OH. After studying at Salem College he was employed as a Historic Interpreter at Fort New Salem where he specialized as a Tin Smith and Woodworker. John also worked at the Waldomore, Clarksburg as Librarian of the WV collection and the FBI Center. He had also been employed at Salem-Teikyo University.

While at Salem College, John met his second wife Lauren Rebecca Howell Nesbitt and they were married on October 11, 1992. John was a man of many interest-boat building, blacksmithing, tin smithing, woodworking, old time WV music and anything Celtic. He was happy to share his interest at Ft. New Salem. John studied Banjo Playing under Dwight Diller.

The last several years have been difficult for John due to declining health but he was able to realize his lifelong dream of building his own cabin on family property near Salem.

At his request he was cremated and a memorial service will be held at a later date. Harbert Funeral Home is privileged to serve the Nesbitt family.

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