Funeral service for Jim Nisbett, 72, Lawton, will be 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2014, in First Assembly of God with Rev. Don Barnes, Pastor, and Rev. Gary Pratt, Associate Pastor officiating. Mr. Nisbett passed away December 3, 2014 in a Houston Hospital. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery under the direction of Becker-Rabon Funeral Home. Jim was born March 22, 1942 in Lawton, Oklahoma to James P. and Aileen Nisbett. As a lifelong Lawtonian, he attended public school in Lawton and graduated from Lawton High School in 1960. He then attended Southwestern Oklahoma State University, graduating with his teacher's certifications in Biology and English. He then embarked on a 45-year career as an educator. He returned to his Alma Mater, Lawton High School, in 1965 to teach Biology and literature. He later attained his counseling certificate and served as a counselor at Lawton High School. He then served as the Assistant Principal of Lawton High School. While at Lawton High School, Jim received a Governor's appointment to the Oklahoma State vocational Educational Council, part of an effort established by the President of the United States to study the methods of delivery and benefits of Vocational Education. He served on the Council in numerous capacities, including Chair of the Oklahoma Council and the Chair of the Southeast Region Council, which encompassed all of the states in the southeast region from Florida to Texas. He served on the Council continuously until it was dissolved by Presidential action in 1993. Jim joined the staff of Great Plains Technology Center in 1981 and served as Deputy Superintendent until 1995, when he became Superintendent. Just as he was active in Lawton Public Schools career, he was an active superintendent. He served as the president of the Oklahoma Career Tech Superintendents' Group and led the lobbying to prevent legislation requiring 4 x 4 math and science high school requirements from being enacting. This lobbying effort was successful, as was the Superintendents' group's intervention to prevent the ouster of the Director of the Oklahoma Department of Career and Technical Education, Dr. Ann Benson. Jim led Great Plains Technology Center through times of great change. He was instrumental in moving the concept of career and technical education to included higher-level academic coursework such as Pre-Engineering and Biomedical Sciences. He also successfully spearheaded the joint efforts of the City of Lawton, Comanche County leadership, and the Oklahoma Emergency Management personnel in lobbying the Oklahoma legislature for the funding to construct and equip a regional Public Safety Facility. This effort lasted three years and culminated with the facility Dedication Ceremony and Ribbon Cutting on June 4, 2010. In his career, Jim was a servant leader and used his talents and drive to build an organization where all students and employees have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. He passionately believed that every student, no matter what his/her existing skills or physical or mental limitations, should have the opportunity to success in work and life, serving as the embodiment of the vision and mission of Great Plains Technology Center. He retired June 30, 2010 as the longest-tenured Superintendent in Great Plains history. He left a legacy of excellence and compassion for all the stakeholders of Great Plains Technology Center. Jim also served his home community throughout his life. He served on the City of Lawton Recreation Committee, the City of Lawton Metropolitan Planning Commission, and the City Planning Commission all for fifteen years. He also served on the United Way Board for three years and was United Way Campaign Chair in 2000. His community involvement prompted many others to get involved and make Lawton a better place to live and raise a family. Jim was a devoted family man. He married Kimberly Tenis on September 22, 2000 and they remained devoted to each other until his death. He is survived by his wife, Kim, of the home. Additionally, he is survived by his son, Ed Nisbett and wife Sharon, Fort Worth, Texas; and daughter, Courtney Ferguson and her spouse, Michael, of Lawton. He is also survived by daughter-in-law, Michelle Nisbett, of Oklahoma City. He is also survived by his six grandchildren: Justin Nisbett and his wife, Misty, Jordan Nisbett, Delaney Nisbett, Blake Nisbett, Kinsley Ferguson and Kelsey Ferguson; two great grandchildren, Jake and Wyatt Nisbett; his mother Aileen Nisbett, Rogers, Arkansas; brother and sister in law, Lindel and Patricia Nisbett, Norman, Oklahoma; sister and brother in law, Carolyn and Sam Forester, Rogers, Arkansas. He is also survived by his special family friend, Simon Li and his wife Queenie and their children, Aiden and Allison Li, of New York. Jim was preceded in death by his father, James P. Nisbett and his son, Randy Nisbett. Memorial contributions may be made to the Great Plains Technology Center or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee.