James Lewis McNew

James “Jim” McNew, age 86, passed away on August 15, 2025. Jim was born on September 21, 1938, in Ponca City, OK to D.G. McNew and Alice (Kirchenbauer) McNew. He grew up in Osage County just outside of Ponca City and graduated from Ponca City High School in 1956. In 1957, Jim met the love of his life, Iva Louise (Tucker) McNew, and they were married on June 7, 1959.

Jim went on to pursue a degree in Mathematics at Oklahoma State University, graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in 1963.  Afterward, he moved to Fort Worth, Texas for two years to work with General Dynamics. In 1965, Jim was offered a position with Conoco and he and Iva returned to Ponca City. Jim worked as a computer analyst for Conoco for 27 years, ultimately retiring in 1993 as a Senior Supervising Systems Analyst.

Following his retirement, Jim partnered with his good friend, Henry Cook, to form Crusher Oil Company. Jim loved the excitement of running a business and cherished the time spent working alongside Henry.

A lifelong outdoorsman, Jim was an avid hunter and fisherman who found great joy in roaming the woods and waters of Osage County, as well as elk hunting trips to Colorado with his friends and family. His love for nature and the land was matched only by his devotion to those around him.

Jim was always ready to lend a helping hand-whether it was fixing something for someone in need, tackling a major project for a family member, or simply offering a listening ear. Even in his later years, when his body began to slow, his spirit and desire to work outdoors never faded. He remained a steadfast presence in the lives of those he loved.

Jim’s legacy is one of kindness, quiet strength, and a deep connection to the land and people he held dear.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents D.G. and Alice McNew; his brother, Donald; his sister, Nancy; and his daughter Debbie.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Iva McNew, sisters, Lorraine and Maryann; brother, Delbert and his daughter Brenda McNew and her grandson Leonard; son, Timothy McNew and wife Mechelle. Jim is also survived by five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren: Kari Koch and partner Mario; Sharii Warner and husband Mark, and their daughter Charlie; Amber McNew; Katy Thomason and her husband Keith, and their children Kaley, Zoey and Ryan; and Justin McNew and his fiancée Rebecca Weber and their children Cole, Harper, and Olivia.

A come and go celebration of life will be held in honor of Jim and all family and friends are warmly invited to join. Please feel free to stop by, share memories, and celebrate his incredible life. The event will take place at 1105 Roseddale Drive, Ponca City, OK, on September 14, 2025 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m.