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James Newquist Obituary

James R. Newquist, age 54 of Lemont. Beloved husband of Diane nee Matthiesen. Proud loving father of Alyson & Krystle. Brother of Terry (Bill) Dusenberry, Julie Ann (Jeff) Rhodes, Betty Ann (Carl) Stein and the late Diane (Alan) Van Alsburg. Many nieces and nephews also survive. Memorial services, Saturday 11:00 am at Palos-Giadas Funeral Home, 11028 S. Southwest Highway, Palos Hills, IL (VanHenkelum Funeral Home Directors). Cremation private. Media Specialist and Cross Country Coach Stagg High School, Palos Hill, IL. Member of NOMO'S. In lieu of flowers Memorials to Forest Preserve District of Cook/ Camp Sagawau, C/O Department of Resource Management 536 N. Harlem Ave. River Forest, IL 60305, Attn: Richard Newhard - Director, Resource Management of First Book, 1319 F Street N.W. Washington, DC 20004 would be appreciated. Visitation Friday 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm. For information please call 708-448-3530 or 708-974-4410

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by SouthtownStar from Apr. 13 to Apr. 14, 2005.

Memories and Condolences
for James Newquist

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Betty Stein

April 22, 2005

I remember Jim when you went off to college in Carbondale. You would tell me stories about living in a College town. I was so happy for you and me too. I finally had a bedroom to myself, at least until you came home for summer. You would come home driving your White Mustang, how cool was that? Little did I know that as time went by I would move to Carbondale, fall in love with Southern Illinois just as you did. Gods Country you would say. When I go to the lake, Giant City Park and town I never stop thinking about the stories you told me of the places you went to. They are all still there. Your name is at Mary Lou's and Italian Village.

Another piece of my heart has been taken away from me. But I know your presence will always be with me.

Love You Jim

Julie Rhodes

April 20, 2005

This is a poem that my husband Jeff wrote for me after learning of Jim's passing. I thought others might like to read it also.





The Mountain That Lost by Jeff Rhodes



The winds on the peak began to blow,

and formed a worried brow of wind driven snow.

The mountain was wondering where could he be?

That man who came often, came to see me.



The mountain was wise, as old mountains go,

he knew him as a friend, never a foe.

Other men came, and other men went,

scars they had left from the time they had spent.

Unlike those who had cut down the trees,

that one wanted nothing but to walk through the leaves.



He looked in the forest, the canyon, the streams,

the only vision found was the one in his dreams.

And when the blanketing darkness came,

a sickness deep down inside of him reined.

The longer he looked the more hope would fade,

the wind blew ill and he was afraid.



Then something happened he could not help,

the snow on the peak started to melt.

The snow cried down the mountain in streams.

The Old Mountain trembled; it was the end of a dream.

Julie Rhodes

April 20, 2005

Jim,

I'm sorry for all the missed opportunities we had to get to know one another better. It seems we often forget what the real priorities in life are. We seem to get so busy in doing everyday events that we take for granted, that we have time to get together later. But time is a relative thing. When we were young it seemed to go at a snails pace, it took forever for Christmas to come around, an eternity before we were old enough to drive. Even as kids we were busy doing our own things. We never thought much about one another, I mean we were just kids, I had three sisters, a brother, a dog, a mother, a father and a house. Doesn't everyone? Besides I had more important things to think about. Like what was I going to wear, what was there to do tonight? As I said, we were only kids.

As we get older time begins to change. Soon we don't have as much time as we thought. There never seems to be enough time to accomplish the things we plan. We become so preoccupied that many thoughts slip into the shadows, only to reappear occasionally. Yes, I'll have to do that, I tell myself, and soon.

And then it happens; time has gone much faster and the opportunity has run out. I have grown older and reality has opened my eyes, now I realize that those things I had were a gift. A very special gift, my mother, my father, my sister and now my brother have all been taken from me. The opportunities are lost forever and I grieve. I regret that I could not tell you, that despite any disagreements we ever had, that I Loved You and was always proud to have you as my brother. I truly believe that you were a genuine good person and would be there if I ever needed you. As for the oudoors, we all know you had a kindred spirit second to none. Now in this period of great sorrow, time has again reversed, minutes seem like hours, Hours like days. It moves so slowly down the path of healing. All I can say is - Jim, I am truly sorry, and in my heart you will live forever. Julie Ann

Matthew Howe

April 14, 2005

My deepest sympathies go to the Newquist family during this hard time. Mr. Newquist was a very nice man, and will never be forgotten. May God hold him and keep him.

Betty Jean Body

April 14, 2005

Dear Diane, Alyson and Krystle: My sincere condolences to all of you. Diane, I worked with you a number of years ago and my children went to Stagg and remember your husband as one very nice guy. I am sorry for your loss.

Grammi & Scheiper Families

April 13, 2005

We are so very sorry to hear about your loss. Our prayers are with you during this extremely difficult time.

Michelle Esposito-Koler

April 13, 2005

Mr. Newquist, you will be missed greatly. Thank you for always helping me (Michelle Esposito-1991) in the media center at Andrew.



Our symapthy is extended to your family.

Bob McMaster

April 13, 2005

Condolences to the family. Thinking of you during this very difficult time.

Peter Dennis

April 13, 2005

Allow me to extend my most sincere regrets for your loss. I will never forget my coaching days with Jim.

SUE LUCAS

April 13, 2005

My deepest sympathy to the entire family. I will keep you all in my prayers.

David Gaidas and Family

April 13, 2005

Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.

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