Lemial James ‘Jim’ Newbill age 93, of Nashville and formerly of Knoxville TN, passed away in Nashville, TN on March 2nd, 2022.
Jim was born in Jackson, TN on February 26, 1929, to the late Asa Otis Newbill and Geneva Mai Robinson Newbill.
Jim graduated from Jackson High School in 1948.
Jim married Clara Frances (Fran) Newbill (1931-2020) on September 2, 1949. They remained married for 71 years. After the wedding, they remained in Jackson where he served as a Manager for Montgomery Ward Stores.
Jim served proudly in the Korean War in the United States Navy from 1955 and was honorably discharged in 1959. He primarily served on the Wilsey, a Destroyer Ship, based in Stockton, CA. He received decorations/medals for National Defense, Good Conduct, Korean Service, China Service, and the United Nations.
After his service, he enrolled in the University of Tennessee in Knoxville, TN, and was the first of his family to receive a college degree. During his studies, Jim also sang for the UT Men’s Choir. After college Jim and Fran remained in Knoxville where Jim was employed by the Millers Department Stores and eventually served as their Human Recourse Director and Risk Manager until his retirement.
Jim then served as the Risk Manager for Knox County, Tennessee until his retirement at the age of 81 in 2010.
Jim was an early leader at West End Church of Christ and help in their move to the present location in West Knoxville. He served as a deacon and then an Elder for many years faithfully serving that family or believers. Jim and Fran made a ministry of helping young couples from church as they came to the University of Tennessee, opening their home as a place to lessen home sickness and provide great meals. He was known as a second father and mentor to many young individuals he came io contact with.
In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife of 71 years, Fran; brothers Clint Newbill, Tharon Newbill, and sister Reba Benjamin.
He is survived by his sons, James Michael “Mike” Newbill (Rosemary), Matthew Creasy “Matt” Newbill (Teresa); grandchildren, Matthew Britten Newbill (Emilie), Hannah Newbill, Mindy Michelle Weatherford (Levi), Kristin Beth Sessions (David); great-grandchildren, Levi Austin and James Peyton Weatherford, Cale Thomas and Clara Mae Sessions, Lumie Love Rose Newbill; sister-in-law, June Reaves Creasy; nieces and nephews, Melissa Woodson, Bill Woodson, Allison McKamey, John Creasy, Cristine Liimatta, Pat Newbill Geelan Pamela Newbill Davis, Ginger Newbill, and Linda Newbill Clemmons.
Jim will be laid to rest with Fran at Ridgecrest Cemetery in Jackson, TN on March 10, 2022, with a graveside service at 2:00 pm. A memorial service for both will be held at West End Church of Christ, 8301 Walker Springs Lane, Knoxville, TN. 37923. on Sunday, March 27, 2022 at 2:30 P.M. with visitation beginning at 2:00 P.M.
In Lieu of Flowers, donations may be made to The Missions Fund at West End Church of Christ, 8301 E. Walker Springs Lane, Knoxville, TN 37923.
Arrangements Entrusted To Sumner Funeral & Cremation, Gallatin (615)452-9059 www.sumnerfuneral.com
For more obituaries visit https://davidsoncountysource.com/obituaries/
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