Dr. James Lynn Newsom

James Lynn Newsom passed away on November 17, 2023 was born March 11, 1968 in Ashdown, Arkansas, to Ruby Marie and Lynn Newsom. Six weeks later the Newsom’s were back in Texas. Although he was born in Arkansas, he was a Texan at heart and loved history with passion. He attended Dayton High School and graduated in 1986. Then he attended Ambassador College from 1986-1988 where he met his future wife, Tonya. After graduating from Ambassador College with an Associates in Theology, he attended the University of Texas at Tyler and Tonya attended college in Mississippi. He maintained a long-distance relationship while he worked on his B.A. James and Tonya were married on January 7th, 1990. He continued his education at UT and received a Masters in History and later earned a Masters in Political Science.

James earned his Ph.D. at Texas Christian University, TCU, and graduated in December 1995. He began his teaching career at various colleges in the East Texas area and began teaching history at UT Tyler in 2000. He served on the board of the East Texas Historical Museum Association. He was a member of several historical preservation organizations such as the Sons of the Texas Revolution, Sons of Confederate Veterans, and Military Order of Stars and Bars. James used his historical and political science knowledge to analyze some elections on KETK News as a political analyst.

He received many awards and commendations with his most cherished award in 2017, Regents’ Outstanding Teaching Award, ROTA. He loved bringing history alive for others.

Seventeen years after James and Tonya were married, they rejoiced in the birth of their daughter, Madison and 4 ½ years later were blessed with Victoria.

James also had a passion for service from childhood. He attended church since birth and later was a member of Grace Community Church (formerly Worldwide Church of God). He later became a member of Rockhill Baptist Church where he served as one of the leaders on the safety team and taught Beach Club, AWANA’s, children’s church, and Adventure Club. He also enjoyed creating sets for Vacation Bible School.

James enjoyed researching history and genealogy. He loved painting miniature figures, wargaming, playing board games, and computer games. He also loved spending time with his family. James was a loving husband and a wonderful father. James had a great sense of humor and an engaging personality. He was genuinely interested in others and made each person feel welcomed and cared for.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Ruby Marie Newsom, and his grandparents, Adrian and Marie Woods. He is survived by his wife, Tonya Newsom, and daughters, Madison and Victoria Newsom; his dad, Lynn Newsom of Pinehurst, TX; Parents-in-Law, Lemuel and Joyce Brady of Hattiesburg, MS; his sister and brother-in-law, Thelma and Gregg Kipe of Baytown; his Sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; Antoinette and Reggie Carr of Hattiesburg, MS, Mike and Toasha Prine of Kiln, MS, Tamara Brady of Hattiesburg, MS; nieces and nephews; Lauren Childs and Evelynn Kipe, David Prine, Sarah Prine, Logan Carr, Xander Brady, Kelton Brady, Joy Brady, Lily Brady; great-nieces; Kira Nunez, Cataleya Murillo, and Zendeya Murillo.

A Celebration of Life service for Dr. James Lynn Newsom will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, November 27, 2023 at Rock Hill Baptist, Chandler with Dr. Michael Criner officiating, under direction of Lloyd James Funeral Home. Visitation will be at the church one hour prior to service. Burial will be at Rock Hill Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Greg Kipe, Kenny Swift, Brian Hudler, Michael Lee, Josh Whitton, Bill Kannak, Adam McLean and Cody Seals.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lloydjamesfuneralhome.com for the Newsom family.