James Marion Newman

Though born in Biloxi, Mississippi on November 22, 1920 to parents, James Martin Newman and Eva Holley Newman, he moved to Jackson before he was one year old. As a result, he has always considered himself a native Jacksonian.

He attended Jackson Public Schools, graduating in 1938. He then attended Mississippi State College, graduating as President of the Senior Class and with Special Honors. At Mississippi State he was a member of numerous honor and scholastic fraternities – Phi Eta Sigma, Chi Lambda Rho, Omican Delta Kappa AND Blue Key as well as serving on the Student Executive Council and YMCA Cabinet. He was also listed in “Who’s Who in American Colleges and Universities.”

Shortly after graduating from Mississippi State, he enlisted in the U. S. Marine Corps, serving in various areas overseas during World War II. While in the Marine Corp, on furlough from a tour of duty in the South Pacific, he married his long time sweetheart Juanita (Nita) Harrell, to whom he had been married for 69 wonderful years. This marriage was blessed with a beautiful daughter, Pennie Ann Barclay, three grandsons, four great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren, all of whom survive him. His is also survived by two sisters and a brother.

Jim was a successful business-man, retiring in 1978 as President of Southern Sales Company, Inc., after thirty-five years of service. He concluded his working years as Assistant Finance Director of Jackson Public Schools and Comptroller of Ace Blinds, Inc., finally fully retiring in 1991.

A long time member of Central Presbyterian Church, where he served at various times as Deacon, Elder, and Sunday School Teacher he was a member of Northpark Presbyterian Church at the time of his death.

He was a Charter Member of Fondren Civitan Club and was the last surviving Charter Member of the club. After working to organize the Capitol Civitan Club in South Jackson, he transferred his membership to that club. He enjoyed 39years of perfect attendance. He was honored in serving as Mississippi District Governor in 1960-6 during which time Civitan reached its largest number of clubs and membership.

At various times he served in the Executive Board of the Little Red School House, Cerebral Palsy Foundation, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and Mississippi Children’s Home. He was instrumental in organizing and promoting Jackson’s first telethon emanating from the ballroom of the Robert E. Lee Hotel for the benefit of the Cerebral Palsy Foundation. He conceived the idea and promoted Jackson’s first celebrity invitational golf tournament played annually at Shady Oaks Country Club for many years after its founding in 1963 for the benefit of Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

Graveside services and interment will be at Cedarlawn Cemetery on Saturday, August 4, 2012 with the Rev. Chris Wright officiating. Wright and Ferguson Funeral Home will be directing the services.

Memorials may be made to French Camp Academy, One Fine Place, French Camp, Mississippi