In loving memory of

James D. Newell, Sr.
June 11, 1949 - November 26, 2017

James D. Newell, Sr., 68, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, November 26, 2017, at his home in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Friends and family may gather in remembrance of James on Friday, December 1, 2017, from 2 to 4 P.M. at the family residence at 311 East Angus Court in Maquoketa. Cremation rites have been accorded.

James Dennis Newell, Sr. was born on June 11, 1949 in Dallas, Texas to Carl Wolf and Sylvia Amorio (Myers) Newell. He was a 1968 graduate of Herbert Hoover High School in Glendale, California and then served his country in the U.S. Air Force until receiving an honorable discharge in 1972. He later would serve in the U.S. Army National Guard. He married Claudia Jo Martin on August 3, 1974 in Paramount, California. To this union three children were born: Melissa, Cynthia and James, Jr.

James had worked as a truck driver for many years until retirement. He had lived in several states including Texas, California, Iowa, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Utah before settling back in Iowa.

James enjoyed fishing, golfing and especially spending time with his grandchildren.

Those left to honor his memory include his wife Claudia Jo Newell of Maquoketa, IA; children, Melissa Newell, Cynthia Newell and James D. Newell, Jr., all of Maquoketa, IA; 4 grandchildren, Kelly, Chrissy, Lizzie and Michael Newell; and siblings, EB (Sharon) Whiteman, Wayne (Patti) Bell, Chuck Pointer, Les Paul Fowler, Ted (Judy) Bell, Sandra (John) Hunt, and Linda Lucas Tope. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Mary Ann Schaeffer.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.

Online condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.

Tributes

Mike Peterson wrote on Nov 29, 2017:

"I worked with Jim for a number of years. He was one of the best men I ever worked with. He will be missed. Jim Jr please accept my deepest sympathy and know that i am thinking of all of you"

Cynthia Newell wrote on Nov 29, 2017:

"Cyndi Newell Dad I have told everyone to be honest on this so here it goes. The past year and a half was hard on everyone especially you. It has not been a easy ride for the Newell's but knowing we were always there for each other was. I hope you know you helped raised three good kids along with raising 4 grandkids. I take comfort in that you and mom were laughing together before you left. I hope you know how strong Lizzie and Chrissy were in your final moments. All the words in the past can't be forgotten but can be forgiven. And in the end that all they are. You were here when we all needed you and that is what counts. You were loved and always will be loved. You are gone but will never be gone in our hearts . Your love lives on in each one you have touched in your life. I will always love you forever. Cyndi "

Melissa Newell wrote on Nov 28, 2017:

"My heart broke into a million pieces and my world was forever shattered when you had to leave on Sunday. You had fought a long hard journey and I thought you had many miles yet to go. You were taken way too soon from us. I spent the last 18 months trying to be strong for you and I know you were being strong for me. I can still feel you now wrapping your love and support around me to help ease my pain and sorrow. You took a piece of me when you left but I took a piece of you too. I will carry it in my heart until we meet again. You are a wonderful dad and the best Grandpa to all your grandchildren. I love you. P.S. Michael got the watch."

Michael Newell wrote on Nov 28, 2017:

"I love you Grandpa. I miss you."

Marti Adams wrote on Nov 28, 2017:

"Hi Jim! It's me your favorite sister-in law!? You are going to be missed by us. John will miss all your fishing days and travels you shared. I know how much you loved your family and you would of done anything for them and you did. Thanks for the things you did for us. We love you Jim and with your passing you have left a hole in our heart. Rest in peace our friend until we meet again ! DAME CANCER!!!"

Peter Lyon wrote on Nov 28, 2017:

"You were always so welcoming to me. I will miss watching Blue Bloods with you, Fridays at 9 PM on CBS. Thank you for your friendship and being a 3rd grandfather to me. "

Rene lockwood wrote on Nov 28, 2017:

"Uncle Jim the kindest man I ever met the greatest uncle. I love you I will miss you. Rest in Heaven with God. Rene lockwood "

Claudia Newell wrote on Nov 28, 2017:

"I'm so glad that we shared our lives together. I love you more then words can say! It was one hell of a roller coaster ride but I'm so glad I was able to ride it with you??God sure granted us extra time together, not with just me but as one big family! And all of us (especially you) made the most out of every second. You will always be loved by me and now you are no longer in pain. I love you forever to the moon and back Jim! Love you bushels and barrels ~Forever Claudia!??'?"

James Newell wrote on Nov 28, 2017:

"You may not have always been the easiest man to get along with, but you were always there for us no matter what. You will always have a special place in all our hearts and we will carry all the precious memories of you with us. All of our lives we're made so much better with you in it, and now that you are gone there is an empty space that can never be filled. I am comforted by knowing that you are no longer suffering and you are now at peace. We all love you and always will. "

Lizzie wrote on Nov 28, 2017:

"You were stubborn, and hot headed, but you were my everything! You always supported every decision i ever made, and made me feel loved. Im proud to say i loved you way more then you'd ever know. I thank you for taking 3 girls that wernt yours in and giving them life, giving them a chance. Your a Newell and will always be a Newell. I love you, forever and always. Ill make you proud!"

Alexandra Sturgill wrote on Nov 28, 2017:

"God took another angel to be on his side again. Our condolences to the family praying for strength and peace. "