Joel A. Newsom

Joel,

Peace be with you my friend. I have fond memories of driving around aimlessly in Harrisonburg during our college years at JMU.

Mr. Newsom, you were such a good teacher. Your one of the main teachers that comes to mind when I think of my time at Herndon and I really enjoyed your class. I really appreciated the kindness you showed me when I transferred into your class in the middle of the year- you really helped my transition to Herndon easier. Thank you for everything, you will truly be missed.

Joel – I learned of you passing today. As sad as I am to hear this tragic news – I still go back to fond memories of fishing, riding BMX bicycles and all the other things we did as kids growing up on Great Meadow Dr. As one of the kindest people I have ever met - you left some very fond childhood memories.

Dear Joel, I send my heart felt sympathy to your family and friends for their loss. I did call and speak to your mother as soon as I learned of you passing. She loved you so very dearly. I am your mother's aunt, your grandmother's sister. Your uncle Michael stayed with me when your grandmother went to Uruguay to be with your mother at your birth. Again my deepest condolence to all of your family. Aunt Evelyn Migliori

Mr newsom I can't believe your gone. You were such an amazing teacher and had such great paitence with all your students. I miss your minus ones on our papers and your cleanliness. you took care of us like we were your own kids. I'm sorry I hadn't been back to visit after graduation. Your in a better place now. You were very much loved and will be missed.

Mr. Newsom you were awesome. By far the best English teacher I've ever had. You had a great sense of humor and were always cool with everyone. You will be missed. RIP Mr. Newsom.

Mr Newsom, you were such a wonderful person! I can remember how you would put stickers on our papers after you were done grading them. Also the candy you would give out. May you Rest In Peace! You will be loved and missed by many!

I knew Joel Newsom as a soft spoken, articulate and courteous young man when he was still a student himself studying to become a teacher of English. It is shocking and tragic that someone so young and with such promise is suddenly gone. At the same time, it is very uplifting to see what a lasting difference he made in the lives of so many students and colleagues in such a short time. That is more than can be said of a great many people who have the good fortune to live to an old age,...