James Newcome

CARDINGTON: Morrow County lost a man of great character and a pillar of their community. James Newcome, Morrow County's Outstanding Senior Citizen of 2009, passed away peacefully at his home on Friday night, March 5, 2010.
It was in East Chicago, Indiana on a fall day in September that Jim's journey began; a journey filled with love, service to his country, personal success, family joys, and a drive to selflessly serve his community until his dying days. He was born the only son of the late O.I. and Evelyn (Pearl) Newcome.
His story of love also began on a fall day; it was as a young junior high student that his life would change forever. He met Mary Lou Newcome and he knew immediately there was something very special about her. They later attended a hay ride and hot dog roast together and from that day forward they would be best friends. For over 60 years they had lived a full, wonderful life together. She died on June 22, 2009 and while cancer will be listed as the cause of his death, some may tell you he died of broken heart.
They have two children, Mary Lou Dowalter of Cardington and James "Jim" Newcome of Mount Gilead.
Like so many great men who have gone on before him, James served in the United States Navy during World War II and returned for a stint during the Korean Conflict.
During his two tours, Jim found time to complete his college education; graduating from Kent State University with a double major in health and physical education and biology.
He took his new found knowledge and he and Mary Lou packed up the kids and moved to California where he worked as an educator. His roles included teaching physical education to high school students and coaching both baseball and football.
In 1961 they moved to Mount Gilead where he became a grain and cattle farmer.
He eventually became the sight coordinator for Habitat for Humanity where he oversaw the building of the first 8 houses in Morrow County.
In addition to his involvement with Habitat, Jim was a township trustee and also organized "The over the hill gang" which performs community service projects.
Jim was a very skilled carpenter, not only using those skills for Habitat but also in remodeling the family farm house.
Humble by nature, James never took full credit for the award he received, all the while giving credit to those who worked alongside him.
In addition to his children; he will be missed by his four grandchildren, John Atwell of Cardington, Jeremy Dowalter of Mount Gilead, Shane Bolding of Virginia, and Quaid Newcome of Fredericktown; six great grandchildren, Brandon Atwell, Izabella Wilson-Dowalter, Mikayla Dowalter, Kiara Skaggs, and Atlee and Penelope Dowalter; and a sister, Donna Hanna of Stow, Ohio.
Friends may call on the family on Wednesday March 10, 2010 from 4-7 p.m. at Snyder Funeral Home, 76 South Main Street, Mount Gilead. Graveside services will be held on Thursday at 1:00 p.m. at the Restland Cemetery, Brimfield Township, Kent, Ohio.
Memorial contributions may be made to Local Habitat, P.O. Box 341, Mount Gilead, Ohio 43338.
For those wishing to express their condolences to James' family, you may do so by visiting www.snyderfuneralhomes.com.