James E. Newland (‘Jim’)
James E. Newland “Jim,” 91, passed away July 18, 2022 in Traverse City, Michigan.
Jim was born Aug. 31, 1930 to James Lacey and Mary Jane Newland. He arrived on his mother’s birthday in Allais, Kentucky, a coal mining camp (later a part of Hazard, KY). Jim was the third of four children and the only son. All four children were red heads. The first eighteen years of his life in Hazard gave him a lifetime of fascinating stories and Jim was a master storyteller! He was proud to be a “hillbilly.” Jim graduated from Hazard High School and then attended the University of Kentucky for one year. He returned to Hazard to help care for his parents after his dad suffered a severe leg injury in a mining accident. Responsibility to family was part of his nature.
Jim took a position at JJ Newberry Co. and after his father recovered from his accident he was transferred to Alma, Michigan. It was in Alma that he met Pat Baker, “The prettiest girl in town!” The two were married on Jan. 14, 1951. In 1956 Jim left JJ Newberry for a position with Dow Corning Corp. in Midland. Over the course of his 30 -year career there, his family moved from Midland to Atlanta, to Los Angles and back to Midland where he retired at age 59 as Marketing and Customer Service Manager. He was a proud founder of the International Customer Service Association, serving on the board of directors for many years and lectured at annual meetings. He was a lifetime member of the Presbyterian Church, serving as both Deacon and Elder and as Youth Advisor for many years in California.
In retirement, Jim and Pat were happy to become “snowbirds,” spending 6 months at their Florida home and 6 months at their home on the lake in Traverse City. They hosted countless family and friends at both homes where everyone who visited had great times and memories made. On the lake, they were blessed to live next door to their son and his family. Being loving and involved grandparents, they never missed a soccer or football game!
Early in Jim’s career, his boss introduced him to fly fishing which became a passion of his. After retirement, he was able to devote more time to fly fishing and was able to combine this with his love of woodworking, creating beautiful fly-fishing accessories such as landing nets, rod cases and fly boxes. His beautiful hand carved wooden creations were sold all over the world and in local fly-fishing shops. He was an active member and instructor with Trout Unlimited. Every year he looked forward to the Trout Unlimited Fly-Fishing School at Ranch Rudolph.
If Jim was not found on the trout stream, in his workshop or on the deck with family, he was reading. He would typically complete two to three books each week and seemingly remember every detail of each book.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters; and son, James Michael Newland.
Surviving Jim is his wife of 71 years, Patricia (Pat) Newland; daughter, Debra (Ken) Ruggerone, of Lake Forest, California; son, Jeff (Susan) Newland, of Traverse City, Michigan; daughter-in law, Gail Newland, of LaHabra, California; grandchildren, Kristina (Erik) Holt, Carissa (Brian) Nunn, Joseph (Jaime) Newland, Melissa (Waylon) Hughes, John (Lauren) Newland and James Newland; as well as nine great-grandchildren.
His family would like to thank his amazing doctor, Dr. Carl Anders, the staff at Bay Ridge and Hospice of Michigan.
A private family memorial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be directed to Trout Unlimited, The Adams Chapter #676. PO Box 2129, Traverse City, MI 49685-2129.
Memories and condolences may be shared on Jim’s tribute page, www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com
Published on July 30, 2022
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