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James Newton Obituary
Dr. James C. Newton, age 83, died suddenly in his home in West Palm Beach, FL on February 25. He was a highly accomplished ophthalmologist with a distinguished career in New York City. Dr. Newton graduated from Fordham University in New York City with a PhD in Biology followed by Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia as MD in the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.
His office practice was based in Manhattan where he also served as Professor and Chairman of the Department of Ophthalmology at Columbia-St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital. During his tenure, he trained and inspired a significant number of residents who went on to become successful ophthalmologists. He coauthored a number of scientific papers on retina and anterior segments. He was a Knight of the Order of St. John Hospital in Jerusalem, member of the Certified American Board of Ophthalmology, member of the Retina Society, Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and Fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine. He was also instrumental in the foundation of the American Society of Retina Specialists.
A longtime resident of Pelham Manor, he is survived by his wife of 56 years, Mary Barsa, whom he met in graduate school; his four children, Constance Newton of Pacific Grove, CA; Alison Newton of Palm Beach, FL; Priscilla Scobie of Denver, CO; and Christopher Newton of Raleigh, NC; and his four grandchildren, Alexis Scobie, Ian Scobie, Isabella Newton, and William Newton.
Private family services will be held followed by a memorial service in New York at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Hospice of Palm Beach County.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Newton
Sponsored by Jeannine Newton.
Susan Liebowitz
February 22, 2019
Dear Mary, so sorry we missed the announcement of Jims passing in 2013.
I remember Jim so well, always kind
And with great empathy. Especially,
I remember his leadership at the Infirmary as well as the mutual friendship he shared with my dear Sol.
Sol passed away in March of 2015 after
Many years of Parkinsons; surely the reason we missed the Obit for Jim.
Please know my heartfelt sympathy.
Warm wishes for sweet memories, which as you know they actually grow stronger as grief receeds.
. Always in our hearts, they were an extraordinary generation of gentlemen,
Physician care and family love.
Most sincerely,
Susan Liebowitz
[email protected]
Thomas Flynn
March 16, 2013
I am one of many who are hearing about Dr. Newton's untimely passing. Those of us who were fortunate enough to know him feel like we've lost a spark of energy in our lives. He had the virtue of making complex things simple and viewed the world clearly for what it is. I have his picture on my desk and hear him saying, "Tom, we're friends now! You can call me 'Sir'!" Sir, we'll all miss you!
March 15, 2013
Thank you for all your kindness and friendship over the years.
Larry & Renee Loventhal
Sol Liebowitz
March 6, 2013
In fond memory of Jim
Heartfelt sympathy to his family
Sol Liebowitz
March 4, 2013
James C Newton was a true larger than live individual who lived life to the fullest. A superb Retina Surgeon who trained many ophthalmologists (including myself in Retina, an outstanding Administrator and role model for his many St. Luke's Resdidents and Researcher being Chief of Research at The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary after his residency & Fellowship there.
A Skipper of his beloved sail boat ,Member of many leading ophthalmological societies and revered in his field.
He was devoted to his beloved wife Mary and his family and friends.
We have lost a great man
My sympathy to his family and may friends
Joe Walsh
March 3, 2013
Uncle Jim was always the light and spark of Family Reunions. His humor and advice were always well taken. My condolences to Aunt Mary and the family
Ken Barsa
Phil Marone
March 3, 2013
Jim and I were friends from the first time we met at Jefferson Medical college in 1953. from then on we were together in class and in the last two years we were on clinical rotations together. We both loved our lovely girl friends who later became our wife's. Over the years we would either see each other or call to speak.
we attended the weddings of our children when they married.
Jim and Mary were our dear friends wnd we will miss him.
Just about 5 weeks ago we were to get together in Florida but Jim called and told us Mary had the Flu so we missed them.
I say goodbye to Jim and I know he will be where he belongs in heaven.
Maureen Egan
March 3, 2013
Jim, a bright, exceptionally gifted, multifaceted, charismatic, unforgettable human being with an infectious sense of humor. May you be touched by Gods mercy and moved by His love. Forever in my heart and prayers.
Peter Michalos
March 1, 2013
I will always Remember the "Chief" with love and respect. He was a great teacher and a most ethical competent physician.He was a stealth Greek-American on his mothers side with the finest examples of Hippocratic ideals. He returned to the love and energy that created him. I will miss you Demetrius Constantine Newton
Nicholas Newton
March 1, 2013
We will miss you Jim. You were a guiding light to me and my 3 sons. I will always cherish your humor and good advise. These fond memories will stay with me forever.
Your brother Nicholas ( AKA Uncle Nicky) My deepest sympathy to Mary and Alison, Connie, Pricsilla, and Chris.
R.Linsy Farris
March 1, 2013
Jim's leadership and good "hi" friendly manner with lots of good will is remembered and we still feel so well. Jim looks down on us now from his place with our Lord, our savior and redeemer.
March 1, 2013
Jim Newton represented the very best ideals as a physician, ophthalmologist and teacher. He was a great example and supporter to many of us. He trained many ophthalmologists and set the highest standards in that capacity. I know that his love and dedication to his family were most meaningful. The St Luke's and New York community will always miss Jim. All blessings to Mary, their children and grandchildren. Robert Della Rocca
James Auran, MD
February 28, 2013
Dr. Newton was an esteemed member of the New York Ophthalmological Society, the second oldest ophthalmological society in the Western Hemisphere. He was a towering presence, deeply admired and respected by his colleagues. His professional wisdom, high spirits, and wonderful sense of humor will be deeply missed.
Charles Merker
February 28, 2013
It is with great sadness the my friend,mentor and good buddy Jim has passed.He always had interesting advise and certainly enjoyed life! I will cherish our good times and laughs and the years we spent on the executive committee at St-Lukes Roosevelt Hospital.
February 28, 2013
May the love of friends and the comfort of the Lord be with the family and friends of Mr. Newton.
The Lord is a refuge and a stronghold.
Psalm 9:9.
Dan Teixeira
February 28, 2013
What a beautiful life James has lived, I am friends with his daughter Alison who has been his Angel during these times. May his memory live on through all his beautiful children, grandchildren and his lovely wife. God Bless the Newton family.
Tom Muldoon
February 28, 2013
I am most grateful for his friendship and his extraordinary contributions to my education and professional career. He was instrumental in the training of many ophthalmologist and brought new technology and surgical procedures to The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. My deepest sympathy to Mary and his children.
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