James E. Newton

James E. "Jimmy" Newton, 80, a Russellville businessman whose name was associated with municipal development for more than 50 years, died Friday, May 21, at Saint Mary's Regional Medical Center.
He served as mayor, as School Board president, as a leader of several local civic and fraternal organizations, as Pope County chairman for the Arkansas Lung Association and as a member of the Arkansas Basin Association which promoted the $1.2 billion Corps of Engineers project leading to commercial navigation on the Arkansas River.
Newton took great pride in negotiations which led to a new Post Office, the facility at Second and Boston, to replace the outgrown building at Second and Denver. He contacted U.S. Rep. Dale Alford regarding the structure during his tenure as mayor from 1955 to 1962. As the city's last "part-time" mayor, Newton established the Planning and Zoning Commission which became part of the appeal for unprecedented industrial growth in the city upon completion of Dardanelle Lock and Dam. As a commission member for 30 years he helped propose and implement policies to regulate development of subdivisions, land use and traffic flow. His compensation as mayor was $50 a month -- $25 in salary and $25 for expenses. Newton was elected in 1969 to a four-year term on the School Board, which during his tenure was involved in construction of Sequoyah Elementary School and the high school on Highway 7T.
His great-great-grandfather migrated to Pope County from Ashville, Alabama in 1828. His grandchildren represent the seventh generation of the family to live within 20 miles of Russellville. Newton was born Feb. 27, 1919, to the former Marguerite Abel and James Edward Newton Sr. on the site of what now is Valley Park Centre on Highway 64 East. On Oct. 6, 1998, Jimmy and the former Martha Elizabeth Spillers celebrated 55 years of marriage. They grew up in the same community and met when he was attending Arkansas Tech University and she was in high school. Newton graduated from Russellville High School in 1937.
He began his business career as a commission agent for Continental Oil Co. He and his brother, Stanley, started three businesses. The first, in 1946, was Newton Sporting Goods. That evolved into Newton Tire Co. which now is operated by Jimmy's son, John, at 1907 E. Main St. The business was named a Firestone tire dealership in 1951. Jimmy continued to work until illness forced him to curtail his activities earlier this year.
Town and Country Real Estate also was established by the brothers. Jimmy served as president of the Arkansas Municipal League during his tenure as mayor. He was a volunteer for 50 years in the state affiliate of the American Lung Association. He served as state treasurer and as county chairman for the Christmas Seals fund-raising solicitation. He raised thousands of dollars to help finance the association's programs to wipe out tuberculosis and fight other lung diseases including cancer.
As a young man he was among a number of Russellville patients at the Arkansas Tuberculosis Sanatorium at Booneville. He was a lifelong member of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He served as an elder, board member and Sunday school teacher, and was an elder emeritus.
Newton received a 50-year membership pin in 1995 from Russellville Masonic Lodge 274. He was a 32nd degree Mason, a member of the Western Arkansas Consistory in Fort Smith and a member of Eastern Star Chapter 606.
Previous memberships include the Jaycees, Lions and United Commercial Travelers.
Survivors include his wife, Martha; a son and daughter-in-law, John and Susan Newton of Russellville; two daughters and sons-in-law, Jan and Bliss Hicky of Russellville and Jamie and Clem Barrere of Houston, Texas; a brother and sister-in-law, Stanley and Virginia Newton of Russellville; five grandchildren, Mary Elizabeth and Will Hicky of Russellville, Morgan and Michael Newton of Russellville, and John Barrere of Houston, Texas; a nephew, Billy Newton of Russellville; a niece, Lynn (Mrs. Paul) Wagner of Russellville, and six great-nephews and great-nieces.
Funeral will be at 4 p.m. today at Humphrey Chapel by Dr. Stephen P. Davis and the Rev. Don Irwin. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery by Humphrey Funeral Service. Active pallbearers are Billy Newton, Dr. Kevin Beavers, Paul Wagner, Mel Beyer, Jan Shaw, Jim Dunn, Ormond Peters and Eddie Rood. Honorary
pallbearers include Mr. Newton's coffee buddies at the Old South Restaurant since 1953 and employees of Newton Tire Company. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, Cancer Society or church or charity of the
donor's choice.

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