John Davidson Niles

John loved playing Tennis, Chess, and Cards and we'll remember him every time we participate in these activities.

John Davidson "David" Niles, age 81, of Tampa, Florida passed away on Wednesday, October 9, 2024. He was born, September 7, 1943 in Trinidad and Tobago, West Indies, the son of Edna and James Benjamin Niles.

John, was an educator. He was well-known to all his students whether at Point Fortin RC, and Fatima College in Trinidad or the University of South Florida and some Middle Schools in Tampa as being stern, and a no nonsense person. At the same time, they recognized him as a teacher who ignited creativity, curiosity, integrity, and a lifelong love of learning, shaping not just what they knew, but also how they thought and engaged with the world.

John had many passions in life. He loved to read and tried to instill that passion in his children and grandchildren. He was an avid lawn tennis player and was always on the courts playing at the Temple Terrace Recreational Center. He loved playing chess and would frequently meet up with his Chess Buddies. John was also very proud of and could talk for hours about all his fruit trees and his eight-layer chickens in his backyard.

BUT most of all David, as he was known to some of us, was a Family Man, always lecturing to us, telling us what we should do, supervising what we did, but all he was really doing was ensuring that his loved ones were prepared to face life's challenges.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Leroy Granville Niles.

He will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 52 years, Gitfah Niles; daughter, Nicolle Niles; son, Ian Niles; sisters, Yvonne Gregorio and Brenda Niles; brother Glen Skeete and grandchildren, Nyla Miks (Stephen), Nathan Whitney, Kylie Niles, Amel Niles and Cierra Whitney.