James Thomas Newman

OBITUARY OF JAMES THOMAS NEWMAN "A CELEBRATION OF LIFE" James Thomas Newman, - 83, went to be with the Lord on January 26, 2015, at Del E. Webb Hospital, Sun City West, AZ, surrounded by his loved ones. The service will be held at 1:30 p.m.~ Saturday, February 07, 2015, at the Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Sun City West. AZ. Jim was born August 12, 1931, in Mayville, ND, the son of the late Albert and Bertha (Gidskemo) Newman. Jim grew up in Mayville and graduated from Mayville High School in 1949. He attended Mayville State College. He married his high school sweetheart, Margery Ann Fiskum on November 4, 1951. Soon afterwards, he was drafted into the U.S. Army, where he served two years during the Korean Conflict. When he finished serving his country in Japan, he returned to Mayville State College. He graduated and received his Bachelor's degrees in Business and in English . A champion at heart, Jim thrived while teaching high school English, Drama, and conducting plays, in Northwood, ND, and in Galesburg, ND. In addition to teaching, he coached basketball. Jim was loved by his students, receiving several letters from them years later. They told him how he helped direct their lives for the better. During this time, Jim and Marge moved to the family farm, near Clifford, ND. He endured long hours to supplement his income, while raising five children. On the farm, Jim raised 15,000 turkeys. He would tell how the turkeys would break out of the fence every Sunday morning, right before church. In 1967, Jim and his family moved to Jamestown, ND, where he excelled in his work as the general manager of Newman Signs, for 26 years. At age 62, Jim retired from his career with Newman Signs. The Jamestown Sun Newspaper quoted him in an interview stating, "I feel Newman Signs and Jamestown have been very good for me, and I appreciate the opportunity that came my way." Newman Signs continues to be a thriving company. Jim was also a real estate investor, an inventor, and a patent holder. He and his family were members of Trinity Lutheran Church in Jamestown, ND. While attending there, Jim taught Sunday School for junior high students. After retiring from Newman Signs in 1993, Jim and Marge moved to Sun City West, AZ. He enjoyed golfing, fishing, painting and had many close friends. Jim and Marge became members of Lord of Life Lutheran Church, where Jim was active in weekly bible study, and a neighborhood group. For six years, he assisted Marge in making and delivering weekly tapes of the Sunday morning sermons, to people who were homebound. Jim also volunteered, tutoring underprivileged children at Panda de Vida church in El Mirage, AZ. At the age of 75, he enrolled in the AZ School of Real Estate and became a realtor. Jim is survived by Margery, his loving wife of 63 years. He is survived by his son, Jeff Newman, Phoenix, AZ; daughter, Julie (Tom) Ottmar, Phoenix, AZ; son, Jon (Mary) Newman, Moorhead, MN; and daughter, Janet (Paul) Syvrud, Dallas, TX. Jim was preceded in death by his oldest son, Jay, in 2011. Jim was proud of his nine precious grandchildren, Travis(Jolene) Newman; Ashley (Jordan) Schalmo; Brittney Newman; Cole (Christine) Hevern; Clint Ottmar; Austin Newman; Leah Newman; Tiffany Newman; and Andrea Syvrud. Jim is survived by four beautiful great grandchildren, Brook Newman; Blake Newman; Slone Hevern, and Graydon Schalmo. Jim is survived by his siblings, Donald (Ardith) Newman, Mayville, ND; Mae (Bob, who preceded him in death) Howe, Grand Forks, ND; and Bea (Stuart) Neset, Mayville, ND. He was also preceded in death by his brother Harold in 2014 (Mary) Newman, Fargo. ND. Jim was a generous, loving and kind man, always willing to make time for you. He spoke the truth as he saw fit, and was extremely astute in his perceptions, of each and every situation. We are all thankful for the opportunity to have spent precious time with him. Jim also had a keen sense of humor. He was a mentor to all of us. His gift to teach, combined with insightful wisdom, enabled him to bring practical solutions and help many people who were at a crossroads in their lives. One of his motto's was, “MAKE A PLAN AND WORK THE PLAN” Jim loved his family, was a protector, a provider, and a visionary. He delighted in our accomplishments and shared in our sorrows. He prayed everyday, that each member of his family would come to accept and love Jesus, and join him on the day that God has designated. Marge was the love of his life, and he always referred to her as "an angel". He was a real father, a wonderful grandfather, an endeared relative, and a genuine friend. His comforting presence will be missed by all. Jim's desire was that his home going, although sad for us, would be a celebration. He is now strong, at peace, full of joy and because of Jesus, we will see him again! As a family, we are blessed by all of you who sent cards, flowers, food, memorials, and also prayed for Jim during these final months. Your presence has given us strength, comfort and encouragement. It is with a spirit of gratitude that we thank each of you, for coming to celebrate with us...... Jim's beautiful life! Online guestbook at: www.sunclty@azlegacyfuneralhome.com" title="Click to open in a new window or tab" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">www.sunclty@azlegacyfuneralhome.com Memorial contributions may be given to: Lord of Life Lutheran Church - Grace Ministries 13724 W. Meeker Boulevard Sun City West, AZ 85375-3730 With love, Margery, Jeff, Julie, Jon, Janet and families.

James Thomas Newman

August 12, 1931 - January 26, 2015