Jim Newton

(From Parker Mortuary)

James Edward “Jim” Newton, 87, of Joplin, died Oct. 1, 2023, in Joplin. He was born May 24, 1936, in Gladewater, TX, to I.D. and Lorene (Lykins) Newton.

He moved to Carl Junction, MO, when he was six years old and attended Carl Junction schools until his senior year. He graduated from Joplin High School in 1954 and attended Joplin Junior College before graduating from the Missouri School of Mines (Missouri S&T in Rolla) with a degree in chemical engineering.

Jim had a long career in the chemical/agricultural industries, having worked for Eagle-Picher Industries in Joplin, Spencer Chemical in Vicksburg, MS, and W.R. Grace in Joplin. He later retired as plant manager for Farmland Industries, Joplin.

He married Marjorie Campbell of Joplin at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Vicksburg, MS, on July 3, 1961. They celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary earlier this year.

In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by a daughter, Rebecca Newton of Joplin; a son, Timothy Newton and his wife, Sonda, of Chattanooga, TN; a daughter, Jennifer Wardlow and her husband, Mike, of Joplin; and a son, Nicholas Newton and his wife, Deonna, also of Joplin. He also is survived by seven grandchildren: Mason Zuraw, Alexander Zuraw, Benjamin Wardlow, Nathan Wardlow, Sarah Newton and James Newton, all of Joplin, and Natalie Newton of Chattanooga, TN, as well as five great-grandchildren.







In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Norma McBee; a granddaughter, Nichole Pearish; his brother, Jack Newton; and a great-grandson, Peter Zuraw.

Jim was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Joplin. He enjoyed fishing, golfing, traveling with Margie and spending time and vacationing with his family.

Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Friday, October 6, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Joplin, with the Rev. Joseph Weidenbenner officiating.

Visitation will be from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday at Parker Mortuary in Joplin.

Pallbearers will be Mike Wardlow, Nathan Wardlow, Michael Parrot, Ronald Repplinger Jr., Mason Zuraw and Alexander Zuraw. Honorary pallbearer will be Benjamin Wardlow.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Society of St. Vincent DePaul, in care of Parker Mortuary.