James Earl Newbill Sr., 86, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, surrounded by his loving family. He was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin, church member, coach and friend. James’s greatest joy was caring for his family. He dedicated his life to others. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, kindness, gentle heart, and patience.
James was born on March 31, 1940, in Leakesville, Mississippi to Vody and Earlyne Newbill. In 1957, he graduated from Vigor High School before attending the University of Alabama. James loved to share that during his sophomore year in Tuscaloosa, Paul “Bear Bryant” returned to his alma mater to coach. In 1961, the year James graduated from Alabama, Coach Bryant won his first national championship. As a college student at home for the summer, he met a young lady named Maureen Ellis at his friend Bobby Waters’s house. The two married at Bethany Baptist Church on August 25, 1962. He was married to the love of his life for 64 years. Maureen was the center of his universe. Together, they shared four children, eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren. He was a dedicated church member, deacon and Sunday school teacher at both Bethany Baptist Church and Kushla Bethany Baptist Church (KBBC). After a successful career in sales, he retired from Scott Paper Company. He took great pride in attending many sporting events, weddings, graduations, plays and recitals of his children and grandchildren. He was a dedicated girls’ softball coach, alongside his brother-in-law, Coach Dunn, coaching his daughter and nieces. One of his greatest joys was cheering on his beloved Alabama Crimson Tide with his family and friends, especially his brother, Vernon Newbill. He loved watching Alabama football whether it was at home with his family, in Bryant-Denny Stadium, or at a road game. He proudly cheered on Alabama in national championship games in three different decades. A favorite activity for James was gathering for meals with his family, especially Friday night dinners. There was nothing more important to James than his family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Vody and Earlyne Newbill, his brother, Vernon Newbill, his sister, Vaudie Faye Dunn, his son-in-law, Matthew Gartman, his brother-in-law, Mickey Ellis, his sister-in-law, Camilla Newbill, his brother-in-law, Dennis Ellis, and many special loved ones.
He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Maureen; their children, Denise, Jimbo (James Earl Jr), Adele and Melinda, his sister, Kay Haas and her husband Mark, his brother-in- law, Bill Dunn; his grandchildren, Jeremy, Jamie, Corey, Jonah, Avery, Rebecca, Parker and Preston; his great-grandkids, Luke, Owen, Ayden, Maci, Ellie, Maverick and Daniel, and many cousins, nieces, nephews and special friends.
A visitation will be held at Pine Crest Funeral Home, 1939 Dauphin Island Pkwy, Mobile, AL 36605, on September 1, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm followed by the Funeral Service at 2:00 pm. The graveside service will take place at Pine Crest Cemetery.
In lieu of Flowers, the family suggests donations to The Crimson Tide Foundation, Alabama Youth Sports Alliance or State of Play Mobile County.
