John and I had been television production colleagues for a decade beginning the early1980s. This post is not timely but none the less timeless. Our professional relationship grew into a lasting personal friendship that saw us raise our very young daughters whom are now wonderful adults with children and our boys. John and I enjoyed intellectually poking one another as he so enjoyed as he put it "The Queens English" and higher education. He was very proud of his home state of North Carolina. He loved to tell me of its role in the early founding of institutions of learning,  and he professed that If God is not a tarheel than why is the sky blue? We both loved and were students of the theater, challenges, family and observation. We would communicate other people's nuance with a hand gesture and a knowing smile. The last time I spoke with John was on a call from him about a year and a half ago during the CMA broadcast to critique the lighting. 
He loved his parents and family and importantly he knew they loved him. Rest well my friend, you were creative and a positive force in this world. Your Friend....

He was a man of wisdom, and he did a lot in life. Even though his dead was surprising he still lived a full life.

-A

Dad, it's been 9 weeks and we are all still in shock. We are celebrating your 2nd granddaughter's 1st birthday tomorrow. What we wouldn't give to be able to FaceTime you or send you pics of her with cake and icing all over her and her toothy grin. I still hope and pray that somehow, some way, you  can see us and know what's going on and that we are okay and that the bond between your 3 children is stronger then ever. We think of you multiple times per day. We are sad and we miss you and life has a different perspective.

Dad, it still doesn't seem real that you are gone. I'm having a hard time accepting it. I think about you constantly. Not even sure why I'm writing this...I love you dad, always have, always will.

I worked with John for many years.  He was a teacher that pushed his students to achieve all that they could, as evidenced by the amazing accomplishments of his forensics teams.  Moreover, he was eager to help his fellow teachers in any way he could.  I am fortunate to have had him as a colleague and friend.

Just found out. I worked with John for many years at TNN and shared many laughs and good times there. I am glad to have shared some time with you on this Earth. Rest in peace my friend.

John was a friend and a coworker at the The Nashville Network. John always had a smile on his face and knew how to make people laugh. I was sadden to hear the news of his death. John rest high on that mountain. You have earned your keep. God bless
Thanks for your friendship to me and all the tape people.

Rest in peace
Dennis Grandinetti

Pops at Christmas in Gatlinburg last year with his 2 granddaughters, Aria and Avery ❤ thinking of you, Dad. We miss you.

I had the great privledge of having Mr. Newsom as an educator at NSA. He was sharp as a tack and demanded excellence. It's something that has always stuck with me. That, and the day he declared to me and another student, 'we need stock footage of raging buffalo!'  To the family, I'm so incredibly sorry for your loss and I hope that you know he made such a difference in so many lives.

I would like to share the eulogy that Mike (my husband, his son in law) wrote/read for my Dad's service on Tuesday, so touching and it helps some with the pain. The amount of people that showed up for his visitation and service (including many former students and coworkers from the Grand Ole Opry and many from all walks of life from his 35+ years in Nashville) truly showed how many different people he impacted on his short stay here on Earth. 

John Wilbur Newsom, Jr
11/23/54 - 5/29/15 (60 years old)

John carried many different names to all of us in the room. Each one of these names contains a special thought, trigger, or memory that is only ours. 

Here are a few names or titles of John:

John, Johnny, Mr. Newsom, Dad, Husband, Son, Brother, Cousin, Uncle, Friend, Co Worker, Mentor, Teacher, Student, and most recently Grandfather better known by my children as Pops.

John was a lot of things to all of us. Each one of us in the room can look back and reflect upon our time with him in one capacity or another. I personally was fortunate to have met and created a bond with him that would last almost a decade. During that time he and I both grew together in new phases of our lives. Mine as a new husband and father. and his as a beacon of wisdom & guidance and role as a grandfather. Each of us excited to be that in our new roles. 

For anyone in the room thinking John's time was cut short, unfulfilled, or empty; I challenge you with all of John's life achievements:

• Worked numerous summers at the homeplace (his Grandfather's Farm in Raleigh, NC)
• Bachelor and 2 Masters Degrees
• Teacher of over 1,750 students
• 30+ years working Country Music's venues and grand stages
• Husband for 27 years
• Father to 1 Navy Aviation Mechanic and 2 college graduates
• Grandfather to 2 beautiful girls
• Traveled to over 30+ countries 
• Traveled almost every state; 49 out of 50.

Between John's travels, teachings, and family lifemany would say John completed several individual's bucket lists. So for the time we have left on this earth, be happy that you were a part of his journey and the memories we will keep of him. 

I would like to end with the following:

Yesterday is History, Tomorrow a Mystery, Today is a Gift.. That's why it's called the Present.

This was followed by an audio recording of Vince Gill's "Go Rest High on That Mountain" performance at the Grand Ole Opry, which was dedicated to him the day he passed away on Friday last week. He will live on forever in our hearts through the memories.

Pops, I will make sure these 2 girls will never forget you. We love you, know you're in a better place and that we will meet again. Until then, watch over us, be proud and rest peacefully. 
Your daughter, Kristen

Mr. Newsom was one of the most impactful people I've ever met in my life. He was one of my favorite teachers at NSA, and he helped me become a better person in many ways. He'll have a legacy that will live on in his family and his students for many years. Thank you Mr. Newsom, for being an incredible person and one of the best teachers anyone could have.

Mr. Newsome was a wonderful influence on both of my girls. He first of all got them in to NSA in the Mass Media program. They grew so much through his teaching. One of my daughters participated in debate. He was a great teacher and helped bring creativity out in my girls. I hold him in high regards always. Thank you Newsome family for sharing John with the rest of us. He will be missed. Sincere condolences to your family. Prayers for peace & comfort coming your way.

In thirty plus years of working in education, John Newsom was one of the finest teachers I knew. He was an equally wonderful person- caring, thoughtful, an all around great guy! The Nashville community has suffered a great loss in the passing of this man.

I was very sad to learn of John Newsom's passing. I am the parent of a student he taught from 2007 until 2011. What made the deepest impression on me as a parent was that he cared so much about his students. He was incredibly supportive of them and made sure that they found a way to express themselves through the arts. I will miss this man....

So sorry to hear of the passing of your father.  Your father and I go back starting with Elementary School and High School.  I always enjoyed being around him and he was always a positive thinker.  May God give you strength and comfort in the coming days.

John was literally the best educator we have ever seen. He cared so much and shared so much of himself with his students. He set a shining example for his students and to other teachers of what a teacher should be. We are forever grateful our son was priviledged to have him as a friend and teacher at NSA. Our deepest condolences to Jan, his children and his students. - Lindsay and Pamela Lee

R.I.P my friend you were a joy to know and you joy for life you will be missed. prayers for the family.

Zane, our hearts are breaking for you, but your dad left a great legacy in a son who's made him proud.

He is and will forever be a legacy who inspired so many young minds for so many years. He opened the doors to success every day in Studio21 and his dedication to teaching and to the arts helped mold each young person who had the honor of taking one of his courses. He is a great man, and I am truly blessed to have been mentored by him throughout my time in high school. To this day I hold every single thing that John Newsom taught me very close to my heart. My thoughts are with his family always.

So sorry to hear of this man's passing.  Truly one of the most influential teachers I've ever met.  You will be missed.  Our deepest sympathy to the entire family.

I was privileged enough to have Mr. Newsom as an instructor for all 4 years of my time at NSA. Not only did I learn theater and cinema from him, but also several life lessons that have helped me out even to this day. He taught only for the sake of his desire to teach, and because of that I believe he was a perfect example of what every teacher should aspire to be. Rest in peace Mr. Newsom, I will always look back at my high school days and be thankful to have been able to call you both my teacher and my friend.

Mr. Newsom was one of my favorite teachers when I went to NSA. He taught me not only Film but also taught me life lessons and the value of an education. I will always remember the good times that I had in his class. Forever a friend.

We shared some great conversations through the years. Rest in Peace my friend.

I will always love you. Together forever. Your Lo

I will always love you. Together forever. Lo

He was loved.  My heart aches over such a loss of a good man. He was a wonderful teacher and mentor to so many.   Prayers to you all. Stay strong.

Mr.Newsom was my cinema teacher in highschool.
He was one of my favourite teachers. I never expected this. I was wanting to pop in on one of your classes when school started back up to say hi.
Take care Mr.newsom, you taught me a lot.

 I worked with John for nine years. He was so talented and a wonderful teacher. I will truly miss him. He was a fun co-worker.

Although it's been years since I've seen Johnny, he was a part of all of us. I can still see his smile and hear his laughter when my daddy used to pick on him. (while he was dating Becky) :o)  While a part of our family is now void, we have our memories and those can't be taken away. With all my love to you Uncle John,Kim and Jay,and Johnny's family. Until we meet again.... RIP Johnny.  Harriett

I am sorry I cannot attend personally, but my thoughts are with the family in total.  I hope those who visit and attend bring you peace with the life Johnny spent.  As his cousin, he and I were very good friends in his first 20 years.  I have and will miss him greatly.  Yvonne Wilson Mason

OBITUARY

John Wilbur Newsom Jr.

23 November, 1954 – 29 May, 2015

Hermitage Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens

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