James Edward Newcomer

Newcomer, James Edward
Beloved Coronado High School theater teacher and director James Edward Newcomer passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on April 2, 2016. He was born to John Franklin Newcomer and Mary Louise McConnell Newcomer on December 3, 1936 in Ardmore, Oklahoma. Jimmy was the second of three sons, following Johnny by four years and preceding Ronnie by nine years. Jimmy was a skilled orator in school, and in 1955 represented the State of Arizona at the regional finals, losing in that year's competition to the student who become national champion. Jimmy fell in love with the movies as a youngster. That influence, along with his brilliant voice and malleable appearance, allowed him to pursue acting as a career. James Newcomer appeared in Tucson and Phoenix area theaters throughout his career, and he also undertook a stint in New York summer stock at the Corning Summer Theatre before settling down to pursue his real passion: teaching drama and theater arts to young people. To support his desire to teach, Newcomer attained his BA and MA, both in education, from University of Arizona in 1959 and 1965. Newcomer then taught high school students the art and craft of theater, primarily at Scottsdale School District's Coronado High School, beginning in 1962 and continuing for more than forty years. Newcomer produced and directed more than 180 dramatic, musical and comedy shows, most at Coronado, but many staged at Scottsdale Center for the Arts, Stagebrush Theater, among many other theater locations in Arizona. Newcomer was admired by his colleagues in theater and his fellow teachers. Newcomer also was a devoted friend to his dogs and cats with whom he shared his life, even to the point of writing a letter to the editor that was published and was dedicated to his dog Hannah marking her passing. Jimmy was a doting older brother to his kid brother Ron, and went on to be an engaged uncle to his nephew Miles and his niece, Meghann, and great uncle to Meghann's son, Aaron. They all survive Newcomer along with his sister-in-law, Diane. Jim Newcomer was beloved by his students because all of them knew that they mattered to him. He pushed his students to become their best selves, and he was proud of their work that created such results. His students and colleagues are staging a Life Remembrance at Coronado High School on May 13, 2016, at 6:00. All are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests that donations be directed to Coronado Foundation for the Future, Newcomer Fund for the Performing Arts at www.corfound.org.