James J. "Chico" Nieto

He was born in Detroit to the late Domingo and Danica Nieto. Jim met his wife, Romana Nieto, in 1956 while attending a dance at the Assumption Grotto Church. They were engaged four months later. At their first meeting Jim knew they would get married. He believed she was an Angel coming into his life and lovingly referred to her as his Angel. They were married September 28, 1957, at Assumption Grotto Church in Detroit and remained life partners for almost 65 years, until she passed away on March 17, 2022.

Throughout his life Jim remained a simple and gentle man who was fully dedicated to his family, present and willing to help everyday. Apart from his family, baseball was the biggest part of Jim’s life. In the 1950’s he acquired the nickname “Chico” as a shortstop. He was quite an athlete and played baseball for 75 years. One of James’ greatest joys was sharing his love for baseball and sports with family and friends. He coached baseball and refereed basketball. He played softball for over 25 years in the 55 and over league, and 17 years in the 70 and over league.

Jim retired from Beaver Precision Products in 1992, after working in shipping and receiving, to take on his next career as grandpa. He picked up his two grandchildren from school everyday, and was their biggest cheerleader! Jim was present at every basketball, baseball, soccer and volleyball game. He was there for all the milestones in their lives, including the births of his 4 great grandchildren. Grandpa Chico gave speeches about how proud he was of all of his kids, grandchildren and great-grandchildren at every birthday party and family get together. Jim and Romana were longtime members of the Woods Church in Warren and he attended the GriefShare Support Group there after she passed away.

Jim lived his life to the fullest. “Chico” was known about town, going out and about everyday for errands, to the gas station for lottery tickets, credit union, barber shop, carry outs and made friends at every stop. He would fist bump and tell everyone his motto, "take it one day at a time." Photos of him always show a big smile across his face. His family will cherish the many videos where he told them how proud he was, and how grateful he is for them. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, Jim will be missed deeply by all who survive him.

Beloved husband of the late Romana I. Nieto. Loving dad of Barbara (Roger) Wolcott, James (Christine) Nieto Jr., and David Nieto. Cherished grandpa of Carlton James “CJ” (Courtney) Feril and Ashley (Andy) Lowe. Devoted great-grandpa Chico to Makenzie Feril, Holden Lowe, Seth Lowe and Caleb Lowe. Dear brother to ten and survived by brother Luis (Karin) Nieto and sister Rosie Heathfield and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation Wednesday, December 20th at A.H. Peters Funeral Home, 32000 Schoenherr Road, in Warren from 3pm to 8pm with a sharing of memories at 6pm. On Thursday, December 21st, James will lie instate at 9:30 am, until time of Funeral Service at 10am, at The Woods Church, 14300 E Thirteen Mile Road, in Warren with a luncheon to follow. Burial to take place at Resurrection Cemetery in Clinton Twp. Memorial donations to Believe in Miracles in honor of Jenna Kast are appreciated. For those who wish to donate, donations can be made to http://www.believeinmiracles.org/ or made out to JK Believe in Miracles, 1977 E. Wattles Rd, Unit E, Troy, MI 48085.