James R. Newman Jr.

James R. Newman Jr., 77, of Jonesboro, died Sunday, April 25, 2021, at Carbondale Memorial Hospital. 

He was born on July 15, 1943, the son of James R. and Jeanet Kay Morford Newman. 

He married Virginia Alice Mays on June 25, 1966. She preceded him in death on Aug. 7, 1975. 

Mr. Newman was an avid fisherman and hunter and loved his little dog, Maverick. He was a member of the Ironworkers Local 782 for over 40 years. He enjoyed mechanic work and restoring old cars. He was a member of the Masonic Union Lodge No. 627 in Lick Creek. He was also an avid coin collector and had a large collection of John Wayne memorabilia. 

Mr. Newman is survived by his children, Ginger Renee (Mitch) Duty and James R. (Lisa K.) Newman III; grandchildren James Dean Duty, Alicia Renee Duty, Elbert Michael Duty and Cody Michael Newman; great-grandchild Amelia Alice Duty; brothers John David Newman and Larry Eugene (Karen) Newman; other relatives and many friends. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Virginia Newman; and by a grandson, Troy Allen Newman. 

Funeral services will be at 10 a.m. Friday, April 30, at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro, with R. W. McAlister officiating. Interment will be in the Ebenezer Hall Cemetery in Lick Creek.  

Graveside military rites will be conducted by Carroll P. Foster Post No. 3455 of the VFW in Anna and the Scott Air Force Base military funeral honors Team. 

Masonic rites will be conducted by Union Lodge No. 627 of Lick Creek.  

Friends can call from 5 p.m. until 7 p.m. Thursday, today, at Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro.  

Everyone attending will be required to wear a face covering and to observe social distancing guidelines. Maximum occupancy of the funeral home will be limited to 50 individuals at one time. 

Memorials can be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. 

To view the obituary and to leave online condolences for the family, visit www.rendlemanhilemanfh.com. 

Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home in Jonesboro is in charge of arrangements.