James Edward "Eddie" Newkirk

James Edward "Eddie" Newkirk, 67, of New Albany, passed away on February 21, 2021, at Baptist Health Floyd surrounded by his loving family. He was born in New Albany to Stella (Bye) Newkirk and Sherrill W. Newkirk on January 2, 1954. Eddie graduated from New Albany High School in 1972 and subsequently served in the U.S. Air Force. He was employed by JBS Swift Company in Louisville for over forty years. He retired in 2019. Eddie was a zealous fan of both UK Wildcats and New York Yankee baseball, pastimes which confounded his many U of L and IU friends. He also loved nothing better than beating family members at Euchre during family get togethers. Eddie was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Jacqueline Bunch. He leaves behind daughters, Jessica Short (Bryan) and Tonya Boone (Robert); a brother, Rick Newkirk (Dorothy); a sister, Cathy Warth (Gary); three grandchildren; several adoring nieces and nephews; and his faithful feline companion, Misty Poo. The family extends a special thank you on Eddie's behalf to Dr. Brian Heimer and oncologist, Dr. Vijay Raghavan and nurse Leann of the Cancer and Blood Specialist of Louisville group, for taking such exceptional care of him during his courageous battle with cancer. Visitation will be held from 12 noon ~ 2 pm on Tuesday, March 2nd at Kraft Funeral Service, 708 E. Spring Street, New Albany, Indiana. His Funeral Service will be 2 pm Tuesday in the Kraft Spring Street Chapel with private burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery, New Albany.