Charles James (Jim) Newark, age 83, a loving husband, father and grandfather, devoted family man and true friend to so many, passed away at his home, 811 Beach Avenue, Cambridge Springs, surrounded by his family on Wednesday, February 20, 2013.

Newark, Charles James (Jim)Born in Warren, PA on October 19, 1929, Jim was the son of the late Harry Newark and Kathryn Hambleton Newark. He married the former Joan Luce on November 9, 1957 and she remains to mourn his loss.

Jim went to grade school in Warren, PA, and later moved to Jamestown, New York where he graduated from high school in 1947. Jim proudly served in the U S Navy from January, 1948 until March, 1956 when he was honorably discharged. While in the military he served in the Amphibious Forces during the Korean War. After being discharged, he went to college at New York State AG Tech in Alfred, New York and earned an Associate?????s Degree in Applied Science in 1959. During this time he and Joan met some of their closest and life-long friends. Jim worked as a Design Engineer for the architectural firm of Johnson & Gray in Erie, PA from 1959 until 1965. From 1965 until his retirement in 1991, he worked in the Building Trades.

He was a lifetime member of the Venango VFW # 169 and Cambridge Springs American Legion, Post #381.

Survivors in addition to his wife – Joan and their three children – Barbara Leffler and her husband, Bill of Saxonburg, PA and their three children – Austen, Ryan and Ruthanna; Charles (Sox) and his wife, Maria of Slovan, PA and their three children – Carol, Madeline and JT; and Shani Kingsley and her husband, John of Cambridge Springs, PA and their three children Stephen, Dustin and Zachary. Also surviving are two brothers – Forest (Woody) and his wife, Judy of North Carolina and Roger and his wife, Ingrid of Germany; a sister- Mary of North Carolina; two step-brothers – Wayne McKay of Florida and Ted McKay and his wife, Joan of North Carolina; and a step-sister – Peggy Schlabach and her husband, Bob of North Carolina. Jim is also survived by many special nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his step-mother – Laura; his brothers – Harry and Wayne; his sisters – Edith and Carol; a step-brother – Tommy Creegan and a step sister – Jean Coleman.

Jim?????s hard work, sense of humor and dedication to community will be lovingly remembered by his family, his hot-dog run buddies and countless friends. He was truly a jack of all trades and a master of many. Jim?????s legacy was – ” In humility he was a rock of integrity, character and kindness to all who knew him”.

Friends may call at the Van Matre Family Funeral Home in Cambridge Springs on Saturday from 3:00 to 5:00 and 7:00 until 9:00. Funeral services will be held there on Sunday at 3:00 p.m. Mr. Neil Leslie, dear friend of the family, will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army.