James Michael Newman's Obituary
James (Jimmy) Michael Newman passed away on November 7, 2014. He was born on October 1, 1950 in Queens, New York City to Joseph and Lena (Retundi) Newman. Growing up he was one of ten siblings and eventually became a favorite uncle to his siblings’ children, taking them on excursions into New York City. Jimmy served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed at Cam Rahn Bay, being discharged on Christmas Day, 1968. Upon his return to New York, Jimmy indulged in his interest in painting and photography. Some of his rock concert photographs were published in national magazines. Jimmy also took on the task of digitizing precious family photographs and researching the genealogy of the family, resulting in part of the family tree being “found” again, and they have been a blessing to the family. James was happy to sponsor a Navajo child and was very proud of the adult that Jeremiah has become. James was employed by ABC Studios in Manhattan for over twenty years. Jimmy moved to California in the 1990’s, to be close to one of his sisters, but eventually settled in Fort Myers in 2002, where he worked in security, made friends and bought a home. It was in Fort Myers that he met Luz, who became his wife in 2007. Jimmy was very happy to find love at that stage in his life. He enjoyed being a part of his new Columbian family and travelling to visit with them. He adopted Luz’s daughter, his “princess”, Laura, in 2013. They were with Jimmy when he left us. Jimmy leaves behind his wife, Luz, daughter, Laura, sisters Dorothy (Paul) and Joan, and brothers William and John (Lori), as well as a number of nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents and by his brother, Joseph, and sisters, Susan, Patricia, Ann, and Kathleen (Joseph). He is missed dearly by all who remain. There will be a viewing at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens, 1589 Colonial Boulevard, Fort Myers, Florida on Sunday, November 16, 2014 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. A funeral Mass will be heard at The Church of the Resurrection, 8121 Cypress Lake Drive, Fort Myers, Florida on Monday, November 17, 2014 at 10:00 a.m., followed by a 2:30 p.m. graveside service at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, Florida. The family thanks Hope Hospice. Contributions to them in Jimmy’s name may be made at hopehcs.org or at Development Office, Hope Hospice, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Fort Myers, FL 33908.
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