I met Fred in Madrid, Spain in July of 1956 and we have been good friends ever since.  I spoke to him just a week before his passing and he was talking about how much he was looking forward to attending the next Madrid high school reunion.
Fred had a unique, self-deprecating sense of humor and it matured marginally over time.  You couldn’t have a conversation with him without three or four jokes.  He loved cigars and Elvis Presley.
Fred served three tours (I think) in Nam so we all know he had a tough inner strength.  But he also had a very compassionate and generous quality.  Many of his prior coworkers have spoken on that subject.
I just know that I have lost a good friend and he will be missed.  Goodbye Frederico and may God be with you.

Miss you Major... miss your informed, cutting, wry, and at times cryptic humor... don't miss the cigar smoke :)
Look forward to the hope of an eternal reunion, all the battles in the past. Rest easy sir.

De oppresso liber... knees in the breeze brother, no one can steal your air now.

Found this picture from my 6th grade promotion in 2003. Mr. Nesmith was my teacher that year. He always kept Jolly Ranchers (and other hard candy) in his desk for students to earn. He was tough but fair. He had a great sense of humor and on rainy days he would show us Three Stooges movies. I’ll never forget him.

To Fred’s family, I send my sincere condolences. 
I met Fred in 2008 when I was a long-term substitute, turned teacher, fresh out of college with very little classroom experience. On my first day, Fred, whose classroom shared a wall (and an adjoining door) with mine, quickly introduced himself, told me a joke, and let me know that if I needed anything, he was right there.
I immediately knew he was retired military, and he reminded me so much of my own grandfather. They shared the same kind of quick wit and sense of humor. It wasn't long before I realized that hearing a joke or riddle from Fred was going to be part of my daily routine.
What stood out most was how genuinely happy he was teaching. It was obvious how much his students loved and respected him, and it was just as clear how much he cared for them. He had high expectations and some strict classroom policies, but his students knew they were valued by him.
I've always thought of Fred fondly, and I feel grateful that my teaching journey began with such a funny, and encouraging neighbor. He made a lasting impression on me, and I'll always remember him. I wish I knew more about his accomplishments and career prior to teaching! I’m thankful for his service.

He loved going out to lunch with the “ ladies” from work!  2024. We missed getting a photo this year, just two weeks before he passed.

Fred was the “grizzled veteran” 5th grade teacher in the room next door to my wife, a 48 year old newbie teaching special ed circa 2004.  He was gruff on the exterior, but had a heart of gold.  Literally he embodied the proverbial “Doc Graham” of Oakmont Elementary bringing shoes or jackets to the children in need with no fanfare or recognition.  

I’ll never forget how he told me - in front of parents - about how cold he kept his classroom at Open House - and why.  My wife Coral & I loved that guy.  It wasn’t until his retirement party at our home that we found out what actually happened in Nam that left the shrapnel in him.  

I’ll never forget how Fred always explained that away before then by saying the VC had an English speaker yell out something like “Amelican, wanna go home? “ to which he would claim he held up his arm to say yes and the rat b———s shot him.  

The truth was much different.  We all owe a debt of gratitude to Major Fred Nesmith for his honor, valor, and his devotion to our country for the freedoms we enjoy today.

God bless you Fred. All our love and respect until - I pray - we meet again on the other side.
Eric & Coral Sieber

OBITUARY

James Frederick Nesmith

August 26, 1943 – July 18, 2026

Miller Jones Mortuary and Crematory

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