John E. Nisby

September 9, 1936 – February 6, 2011

John Edward Nisby of Stockton passed away on February 6, 2011. John was born in San Francisco, CA on September 9, 1936. John attended public schools in Stockton California. He graduated from Edison High School; Stockton California. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from The College of the Pacific and his Master’s Degree from the University of Oregon. John was a Pro-Bowl offensive guard in the National Football League for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Washington Redskins. He played college football at the University of the Pacific and was drafted in the sixth round of the 1957 NFL Draft by the Green Bay Packers. He was later traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers and played for them 1957 – 1961.In 1962, John became one of the first black players (along with Bobby Mitchell and Leroy Jackson) to play for the Washington Redskins, the last team in the NFL to integrate.

John was very active in the Stockton community. He served as a Director of San Joaquin Delta College’s “College Readiness Program”, Faculty Advisor- organizer of the Black Student Union at San Joaquin Delta College, UOP’s 1st Jazz Festival organizer, and he also helped organize the Community Involvement Program at UOP. He served as the District 6 Stockton City Councilman 1987-88. John was also an inductee of Stockton Black Sports Hall of Fame. John later became involved in Real Estate and was a Real Estate project manager until he retired.

While in Pittsburgh in the late 1950’s, John worked closely with the Pittsburgh Courier (the Nation’s Leading Black Newspaper) to insure that all companies that had business with the Steelers have a firm equal employment policy. At one time, he successfully lobbied the Rooney family to insist that a particular beer distributer end their segregation policy. John’s selfless efforts in the community had lasting effects where ever he was.

If you’ve ever had a conversation with John, you may have heard him say these words: “If you are going to do something, you have to do it 100 percent. What is 100 percent? It is giving every ounce of energy that you have in your body and using that to achieve the ultimate in every aspect that you compete in. It may be in the classroom, in sports, in family related activities. But, whatever it is, you have to give 100 percent. In the arena of work you have to give 100 percent also. As a result, there is a high probability that you will be successful." John Nisby’s life exemplified these words.

Alzheimer’s limited Johns’ activities in his last days. He made a lot of appointments, sent out a lot of hugs, and a lot of I love you’s. If you missed any of these, in John’s mind he made them all. From him farewell to all!!!!

John is survived by his wife of 25 years, Dr. Patricia A. Hatton of Stockton, CA and their son J.P. Nisby, Boise, ID. His mother-in-law. Mrs. Minnie Hatton, Wallis, TX. and Uncle Jimmie Santana (Jackie) Vacaville, CA. He is also survived by Sons: Jon Nisby, Stockton, Shawn Nisby, Pittsburgh, CA. James Caple-Nisby, Herndon, VA,. His “one and only” daughter, Dawn Nisby, Pittsburgh, CA. Siblings: Brother: Charles Nisby (Lura), Stockton, CA, Sister, Barbara Nisby, Las Vegas, NV. 5 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren., and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 10, 2011 from 4:00-8:00 PM at Frisbie-Warren & Carroll Mortuary 809 N. California St. Stockton, CA 95202. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, February 11, 2011 at 11:00 at Frisbie-Warren & Carroll Mortuary. Please sign the guestbook at frisbiewarrencarrollmortuary.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Frisbie-Warren & Carroll Mortuary, Stockton, CA.

In lieu of flowers please make a donation in John's name to Ebenezer Economic Development Corporation (EEDC), P.O. Box 2121 Stockton, CA 95201. Please sign the guestbook at frisbiewarrencarrollmortuary.com.