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.
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.
Joan, Shani and family. My deepest sympathy is with you and your family at this time.
Jenny (Wetsell) Norton
It is impossible to think about Jimmy without getting the biggest smile on my face. Growing up in Cambridge and around the Newark clan made for such GREAT memories. Of course Jim will be greatly missed by all around him and those that knew him, even for the shortest of times. My deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the entire family!
Dear Joan, Barb, Sox and Shani and all — I send my thoughts and prayers to all of you. I know how much you all miss him and, if you believe in life after death, picture him being welcomed Home by “our clan”. Don’t you know they already have a game going and are talking about all of us. while I mourn his loss, I know we all have one more Guardian Angel watching over us. Lord only knows, we need it. Love you all.
From Germany, we and the Kaemmerer family-Oliver, Michela, Sina, and Mona- send our deepest heartfelt condolences to Joan, Barb, Sox, and Shani; to Jim’s grandchildren, to his other relatives; and to all his friends. We sincerely hope you find solace in the numerous wonderful memories Jim created for each of us singularly and all of us collectively. Sadly, we cannot physically be with you at this time, but most assuredly, your and our thoughts and rememberances of Jim will join our hearts.
Love from Ingrid and Roger
Dear Joan,Barbara,Sox & Shani,
We send heartfelt condolences & hugs from West Virginia. Our families have shared wonderful memories with each of you from camping trips, spaghetti dinners, Christmas eve get togethers and of course shopping trips with the girls!. Thank you for always being more than a friend….part of the Anderson family. Jimmy was such a wonderful caring friend to mom & dad through good times and sickness…only a phone call away. Thank you my firend you will be missed, I know Jim & Gloria are welcoming you home. May the love of Christ give you peace in the days ahead. Our love to you all,Roger & Jeanie and family.
Aunt Joan,
Sending many hugs your way. I love you! Uncle Jim left a legacy of love, hard work, and true caring that will live on in so many lives that he touched!
Love,
Sandi
Aunt Joan, Barb, Sox and Shani,
Words cannot express what I feel right now, but you are all in my prayers. My Great Uncle Jimmy and your husband and father was a wonderful person and I will truly miss him. Although I don’t get to see you much since growing up and moving away, you all are always in my thoughts and prayers. I pray that someday we will all be together again in heaven.
Love to you all,
Chris
Aunt Joan, Barb, Sox and Shani.
I am so sorry for you lose. I will keep you al in my prayers. Uncle Jimmy was a wonderful man and he alsway treated me like family.
Uncle Jimmy you will be missed.
Peace & Love,
Tom Franco
PS. Ecc. 3: 1-8 ( Uncle Jimmy made TIME for everyone)
Woodiie and Family,
May God give you and your family peace and comfort in the loss of your brother.
Your friend,
Bob Watson
Joan, Barb, Sox, Shani and families,
We are so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Although the years have passed by quickly and we have not been in the Cambridge area we have fond memories of his contagious smile and sense of humor. We are thinking of you and hoping all of your fond memories will carry you through this sad time.
The Wolfe Family
Iliene, Debra, DeWayne, Don, David and Diane and families
So sorry for the loss of your beloved Jimmy. He was a super person. Always so kind.
You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Wish I could attend….Jackie & Dale will be there.
May you find peace and healing in your time of sorrow.
God Bless you all,
Dawn Thompson & Family
(Jackie Newark’s Sister)
Joan, Barb, Sox, Shani and Grandchildren,
I’m so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I will always remember him as a loving, gentle and caring man who loved life. He made a big impact on my life because of how he treated me. He will be truly missed.
Bonnie Youngs
Shani, John, and family,
I just wanted to express my deepest sypmathy for your loss. May you find peace and comfort in the memories that you have with him. God Bless all of you through this difficult time.
Stephanie and Ben