James Newton
Obituary
Jim was born in Utah in 1942 and passed away on Dec. 22, 2021 in Arroyo Grande, Calif., after a long battle with cancer.
Jim grew up in Bradley, Calif., where he learned to hunt, fish and love the outdoors. He lived most of his life in Fresno, graduated from Fresno State and was a highly respected Fresno Unified teacher and school principal for 41-years. Jim's larger than life personality enabled him to mentor many teachers and administrators while always encouraging and guiding others.
His hobbies included poker, fishing, camping, hunting, antiques, being with grandchildren, "yard-sailing" and playing music with his friends and family. For 30-years, Jim and friends led campfire "Sing A Longs" for the Varian family V-6 Cattle Drives near Parkfield, Calif.
Jim's enthusiastic and creative approach to life made him a giant among leaders, both professionally and personally. As a principal, he was always "student-oriented". He shared his salmon fishing skills with many, and his guitar music with students, staff, friends and family. Many sought Jim's advice and candid opinion regarding decisions, problems or crisis. His solutions were always tempered with "What's Right for Children." You could count on his wisdom and good judgement.
Jim was a great organizer and doer. From school sports and Jog-a-Thous, to family reunions and poker tournaments, Jim took the lead and charged forward. He made friends easily, quickly and often. He always had a big hand in decorating Huntington Boulevard's Candlelight Christmas, and led "Hay-Wagon Christmas Caroling" on that historic street in Fresno. Their Huntington home was the place for many happy gatherings.
Jim is preceded in death by his parents, La Verne and Carlos Newton; and his sister, Norma Dayton. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 58-years, Judy, and together they enjoyed international travel, fishing, RVing at Cayucos and on the Sacramento River, and especially Klamath River salmon fishing, while at the Golden Bear Park in Klamath, Calif. Jim describes Judy as ''The best catch of his life."
Jim is also survived by his brothers, Sam McKibbin and wife Fran of Lake Nacimiento, Ray Newton and his wife Bette of Taft; his son, Bryan Newton and wife Kim of Modesto; his daughter, Margo Mason of Arroyo Grande; and former son-in-law, Cory Mason of Pismo Beach. Also surviving are his grandchildren, Kaitlyn St. Peter, Brooke Newton, Luke Mason, and Natalie Newton; as well as two great-grandchildren, Karson and Leah St. Peter; and many nieces and nephews.
Jim leaves an inspiring legacy. Friends all have their favorite Jim Newton stories, which are mostly hilarious and all memorable. Family and friends love Jim, and will miss him greatly.
The family welcomes donations to The Jim Newton Scholarship Fund c/o The Foundation for Fresno Unified Schools, 2309 Tulare Street, Room 208, Fresno, CA 93721 or Dignity Health Hospice of the Central Coast.
Graveside Services will be held at San Miguel Cemetery on 9405 Cemetery Rd. Saturday, April 9, at 10:00 a.m.
A Fresno Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.
Published in King City Rustler · March 9, 2022