Cover photo for James Farrel Newsom's Obituary
James Farrel Newsom Profile Photo

James Farrel Newsom

December 29, 1934 — February 8, 2023

Farrel Newsom passed away on Wednesday, February 8, in his home with his family present. He was born on December 29th, 1934, to Henry and Trudie Newsom. He attended Marianna High School and then proudly served in the United States Army as a paratrooper. He later worked for the Florida State Department of Corrections for 32 years and retired in 1996.

He was taught to hunt, fish, and work with wood by his father and passed those skills along to his sons. He continued his carpentry projects in his “shop” that he built over forty years ago.  The remainder of his hobbies were all performed with his wife of sixty years, Mary. They fished, camped, and often spent time in their second home in Franklin, NC together. They also had the opportunity to explore the United States with their friends of forty years, C.W. and Carolyn Johnson.

Farrel was preceded in death by his parents, and sister, June Glass. His remaining immediate family include his wife, Mary Burns Newsom, son, Jay Newsom and wife, Angie; son, Charlie Newsom and girlfriend, Jennifer Puckett; sister, Janice White and husband, Bob; sister, Joan Martel and husband, Troy; and brother, John “Mike” Newsom and wife, Elma. His two granddaughters (Jay & Angie’s) were a special source of pride; Missy Newsom and Sara Sayyeau and husband, Trent.  Sara and Trent also blessed him with his latest joy, great granddaughter Stella.

Farrel was a devout Christian and cornerstone of the Grand Ridge United Methodist Church. His daily study of the bible and time spent in prayer was a testament to all who loved and worshipped with him.

The Newsom family would like to thank all the friends and family who have been so supportive over the last year and beyond. We would also like to add a special thanks to the following: our family angel, Phyllis Baxter, Dr. Mark Akerson, the Covenant Home & Hospice care team, and all the compassionate and attentive caregivers with Stethoscope Staffing.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM, Monday, February 13, 2023 at Grand Ridge United Methodist Church.  Interment will follow in Dykes Cemetery in Sneads, FL with James & Sikes Funeral Home Maddox Chapel directing.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family appreciates memorial contributions to Grand Ridge United Methodist Church Building Fund, or to any charity of choice in memory of Farrel.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James Farrel Newsom, please visit our flower store.

Service Schedule

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Visitation

Monday, February 13, 2023

10:00 - 11:00 am (Eastern time)

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Grand Ridge United Methodist Church

6911 Iowa Street
Grand Ridge, FL 32442

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Funeral Service

Monday, February 13, 2023

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

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Grand Ridge United Methodist Church

6911 Iowa Street
Grand Ridge, FL 32442

*Standard text messaging rates apply.

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