James Harney Newman

James Harney Newman was born October 1, 1930, in Portland, Oregon, he was 91 and a half years old.  He lived in the Bell Hill area in the early years. In the early forty's his parents, Harry & Florence bought John Kuehn's home on Kuehn Rd. James attended Milwaukie High School where he met his wife, Joan Propst who also lived on Kuehn Rd. They married June 6, 1952.  Joanie passed away on December 30, 2008. After graduating from High School, he attended St. Mary's College in Moraga, CA for one year and then received his degree in 1952 in Business Administration from University of Portland. Being married they moved to a home on 29th street off Harrison Street and lived there for a few years before they built a home next to Harry & Florence in 1957 and in that home is where he passed away in his sleep mid-afternoon April 1.



He joined the United States Marine Corp and completed his First Basic Course June 5, 1954, he was promoted to First Lieutenant June 12, 1954, and was promoted to Captain July 1, 1958. James received an Honorable Discharge on November 16, 1966.



He was the father to five children; son, Tom born 1955, daughter, Katy born 1956, daughter, Patty born 1960, son, Michael born 1962, and son, Roger born 1966; grandfather of eight and great-grandfather of four.



In his younger years he enjoyed Snow Skiing, Horse Riding, and learning more about the Military and details about various wars. In 1963 he purchased a new Austin Healey Sprite to be used as an Autocross/Road Racing Car. He was quite successful accumulating over 100 awards. In 1966 he wanted to step up his game and he bought a totaled 1963 Corvette Stingray. He, with a little help from Tom, rebuilt it and raced it for several years before semi retiring from racing. In the late 80's he purchased a 1976 Mercury Capri to be used as a race car. Son, Tom, brother, Roger and son-in-law, Ray McCorkle were active in racing, and he wanted to join in the fun. James was also involved in Oil Painting, taking several classes at Clackamas Community College, and enjoyed doing that in his spare time.



James started working for his father at a young age at M & N Sheet Metal in downtown Milwaukie. He had a passion for the HVAC Industry (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning). His first job in the industry was working for Johnson Control then he moved on to W.J. Darm Company in a similar field and then his last job was working for NorAir Inc. as a Sales Engineer and retired in 1999.



He spent a better part of his life as a parishioner of St. John The Baptist Catholic Church as an Usher and quite often read the scripture readings during Mass.



In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contribution in his memory to CYO Sports (see information below), please be sure to note "In Remembrance of James Newman" on your contribution.