Avis de décès de James B. Newton

James B. Newton 1927 - 2011 SOUTH HADLEY - James B. Newton, 84, passed away at home on August 11, 2011. Born on February 25, 1927 in Spring-field, MA, Jim was the son of John and Dorris (Beach) Newton. At age 15 he got his pilot's license and loved flying over Brimfield where his extended family made their home. During WWII he served in the US Air Force and US Army in the 8th Photographic Technical Squadron. Jim graduated from Amherst College in1949 and was later employed in his family's electrical wholesale business, Oakes Electrical Supply Co. As a creative entrepreneur he also developed businesses focused on training and education in the electrical industry, including Sales Tech Corporation and Profile Systems, Inc. In recognition of his efforts Jim was a recipient in 2010 of the National Association of Electrical Distributors Foundation Legacy Award for being one of the ten most influential people in the association's history. In recent years he spent time archiving antique electrical items and expressing his opinion in letters to the editor. Among those who knew him Jim was most renowned for the thousands of personalized, humorous cards he created. He was also a member of the Holyoke Rotary Club and served on the boards of the Holyoke Boys Club, Engineering Society of Western Massachusetts and National Association of Electrical Distributors. Jim considered himself the world's luckiest person for having been blessed with his wonderful family and friends. He was a devoted husband and will be greatly missed by his wife of 56 years, Louise (Gagne) Newton of S. Hadley. Jim was an inspiration and loving father to his five children: James B. Newton Jr. and wife Christiane of Cape Elizabeth, ME, Carla W. Newton of S. Hadley, Cynthia Neumann and husband Gus, of Crestview FL, Linda Newton-Hoey and husband Mark of Holyoke and Jeffrey T. Newton and wife Sarah of Concord. Jim cherished his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Julie, Kathryn, Caroline, Elizabeth, Schuyler, Cailey, Valerie, Jordan, Farrah, Clinton, Avery, Lindsay, Chase, Lucy, Madeline and Nicholas. He will also be missed by his brother John M. Newton of Wolfeboro, NH and many nieces and nephews. Jim was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Newton. All services are private and at the convenience of the family. Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home was entrusted with the arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Jude's Children Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105 or St. Patrick's Church, 30 Main St., S. Hadley, MA 01075. In lieu of flowers Jim would love it if you would take a friend to lunch. For more information or to sign the online guest book, please visit www.beersandstory.com.