James David Newton

James David Newton “Jim” was born May 20, 1931 to Bush H. and Gladys C. (Young) Newton on the family farm east of Spring Hill, Kansas. He passed away peacefully on April 30, 2017 at University of Kansas Medical Center. Jim attended grade school at the rural Tuckerville School. He was a Spring Hill High School graduate with the class of 1949. He was married to Delores Ann Cuthbertson on May 2, 1953 in Spring Hill. Jim was inducted into the U.S. Army in 1954 and spent most of his tour of duty as a cook stationed in Stuttgart, Germany. Jim and Delores moved their family to Hillsdale in 1964 where they spent the last 53 years. Jim spent most of his working life as a farmer and truck driver, owning a truck line hauling water, livestock and feed for several years. He also delivered propane for Spring Hill Oil Company for a number of years. One of the things he especially enjoyed was working with wood. Whether it was running the sawmill he built and operated with the help of family and friends, tearing down old barns and houses, woodworking projects or simply cutting firewood, he was in his element when wood was present. He also loved a well-cut lawn and keeping an immaculate garden. In the past, a trip to the casino was one of his pleasures. His special loves were his grandkids and great grandkids. Jim was preceded in death by a daughter, Lori Crawford (Max); parents, five brothers and three sisters. He is survived by his wife Delores; two daughters, Carol Medlin (Rex) of Paola, KS and Brenda Newton of Ottawa, KS; son-in-law, Max Crawford (Debi) of Kansas City, MO; 9 grandchildren; 12 great grandchildren; a brother, Dick Newton of Spring Hill, KS; a sister Dorothy O’Brien of Seattle, WA, along with many nieces, nephews, and special friends and neighbors. Burial (cremation) will be 10:00 a.m. Monday, May 8, 2017 at Hillsdale Cemetery, west of 169 on 255 St., Hillsdale, KS, where he was the caretaker for many years between 1991 – 2005. The family suggests memorial donations to the Palliative Care Education Fund at The University of Kansas Health System or Shriners Hospitals for Children. For Palliative Care Education Fund, please make donations payable to The University of Kansas Health System and mail to Fund Development, 2330 Shawnee Mission Parkway, Suite 305, Westwood, KS 66205 or visit http://giving.kansashealthsystem.com/tribute to donate online. To share your memories of Jim or leave a special condolence message for his family, please click the Share A Memory button.