December 21, 1944 ~ October 9, 2023 (age 78)
Lt. Colonel James Harvey Newman, 78, of Whiteville, N.C., passed away October 9, 2023, with his wife Peggy Joyce Hill Newman by his side.
Jim served in the Air Force nearly 25 years and achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. His distinguished career spanned from Vietnam to the first gulf war known as Operation Desert Storm. After graduating from the University of Maryland as the top cadet in his ROTC class in 1968, he
attended pilot training at Moody Air Force Base, Ga. He earned his wings in 1969 and was assigned to flying tactical airlift missions in C-130 cargo aircraft. This included delivering troops, equipment, munitions, and other supplies to the warfighters in combat on the frontline. His duties included airdropping paratroopers, vehicles and supplies behind enemy lines as well aerial refueling operations during long distance missions.
For his outstanding service, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the National Defense Medal with bronze service star, the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with palm device, the Vietnam Campaign Medal and numerous other military awards and decorations.
Jim retired from his last assignment at Pope Air Force Base, N.C., in 1992. Afterward, he continued to serve his community as the executive director of the American Red Cross of Lee County and in the Rotary Club of Sanford, N.C. In 2010, Jim and his wife Peggy moved to Whiteville and became active members of the Western Prong Baptist Church. As a role model and patriot, Jim was often invited to speak at civic events, especially on Veterans’ Day and Memorial Day. During their 35 years of marriage, Jim and Peggy both had a soft spot for rescuing cats. As devoted friends of “fur babies,” they helped provide homes for many a wayward feline.
Jim was the oldest of nine children. He was preceded in death by his father Col. James Newman, U.S. Army, and his brothers: Cmdr. Michael Newman, U.S. Navy; Tom Newman; and Rocky Newman.
Jim is survived by his wife Peggy Hill Newman and his first wife Sherri DePalma in Alexandria, Va., and their two daughters Kimberly Joyce Pierson and her husband Ron in Manassas, Va., Pamela Newman in Charlotte, N.C. and four grandchildren.
His mother, Mary Joyce Newman, lives in Indianapolis. Also, Jim is survived by his brothers: Jack Newman and his husband Alex Ely in Los Angeles, Dane Newman and his wife Elise in Indianapolis, and retired Air Force Col. J.R. Newman and his wife Kelley in Indianapolis too. Jim’s sister Pamela Sokol lives in Denver and his sister Susan Perez and her husband Jim live in Indianapolis.
Family and friends are invited to the funeral ceremonies on October 21, 2023 in the Western Prong Baptist Church, 167 Peacock Road in Whiteville, N.C. 28472. The viewing is at 1 p.m. with services following at 2 p.m. and graveside military honors performed at the cemetery next to the church.
In lieu of flowers, the Newman family prefers donations to the Columbus Humane Society. A service of Meares & Jones Funeral Service of Fair Bluff.
