Obituary of James Newton
James Wallace Newton was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 22, 1938. He was one of six children born from the union of Oscar Newton and Hazel (Olson) Newton. He honorably served in the United States Army, dedicating himself to our nation and earning his GED while enlisted.
On February 6, 1960, Jim married the love of his life, the former Anita Sword. The happy couple were blessed with the birth of two children. To provide for his family, Jim devoted thirty years as a janitor employed for the Ford Motor Company. His tales from his workdays, especially the memorable incident where he inadvertently parked a front loader atop the foreman’s car, brought much laughter and a few winces to all who heard them.
In their early years, Jim and his wife, would escape the harsh Michigan winters for the more forgiving climate of Clearwater, Florida.
A fervent angler, Jim spent countless hours on Lake Erie aboard his prized boat, the “Wendy Jo”, a twenty-foot Thompson Cutty Cabin boat, with many of his family or friends. He truly enjoyed casting his line and waiting for the next big catch.
Jim’s athleticism extended to the golf courses, where he and his lifelong friend, Bill McDonald, were familiar faces at the River Raisin and the former Lilac courses. On the green, as on the lake, Jim’s sportsmanship and camaraderie were ever present.
Even as dementia began to cloud his mind, Jim's instinct, and ability to fix anything and everything remained undiminished. His hands were rarely still, always tinkering, repairing, creating.
James “Jim” Newton, age 85, of Newport passed away at his home, on Monday; April 18, 2024. His passing was preceded by his wife: Anita (Sword) Newton; five siblings: Bill Newton, Mary Ellen Barr, Harry Newton, Kathrine Mullens, and Lee Schmelzer.
To cherish his memory, he leaves a son: William (Julie) Newton of Maumee, Ohio; a daughter: Wendy (Greg) Gardner of Taylor; eight grandchildren: William (Nia) Newton, Jr.; Jesse Newton, Megan (Bekah) Gardner, Danielle Newton, Gregory (Jordan) Gardner, Summer (Jared) Anschuetz, David Getzinger, and Lucas Getzinger; and eleven great grandchildren: Alexis Newton, Skyla Newton, Tristen Newton, Abby Newton, Kaleb Newton, Emily Newton, Lily Anschuetz, Jazlyn Anschuetz, Ryan Anschuetz, Glen Gardner, and Holland Gardner.
Friends may gather on Saturday; April 20, 2024, from 4:00pm until 6:00pm at Merkle Funeral Service, North Monroe; 2442 North Monroe Street, Monroe, Michigan 48162 (734) 384-5185. A Celebration of His Life will take place at 6:00pm, also at Merkle’s. Cremation will follow through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan, a division of Merkle Enterprises, Inc.
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