James L. "Jim" Newman

James L. "Jim" Newman, age 66, of Battle Creek passed away Tuesday afternoon, April 17, 2018. He was born in Battle Creek on December 2, 1951, the loving son Louis E. and Margaret Ann Newman. Jim graduated from Battle Creek Central High School with the Class of 1970, and then faithfully served as a volunteer firefighter with Battle Creek Township and as a Master Electrician with the IBEW Local #445 for more than 45 years.

Jim married the "Love of His Life", Janet L. Graves in Battle Creek on June 12, 1971; she sadly preceded him in death on January 14, 2013. He is survived by his children, Anthony (Melissa Eldridge) Newman, Sally (Ken) MacPhee and Stacy (Mike) Lightfoot, all of Battle Creek; his grandchildren, Alex & Ethan Newman, Gracie & Grant MacPhee, Brady, Brogan, Josh & Taylor Lightfoot; his brothers, Duane (Debbie) Newman of Battle Creek, Stephen (Rhonda) Newman of Homer, and Mark (Karen) Newman of Columbia City, Indiana; his mother-in-law, Martha Graves; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and the entire "Newman Clan". Jim was also preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Margaret Ann Newman; and his sister, LuAnn Newman.

Jim was an avid golfer, also enjoyed the Detroit Red Wings, Tigers and NASCAR and he played the drums for many years with his band, "The Country Express". Family was everything to Jim, and he truly loved spending time with his family, and attending his grandchildren's events.

Family and friends will gather from 9:30 to 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 21st in the chapel at Memorial Park Cemetery where a service to celebrate Jim's life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Saturday. The family will continue the celebration of Jim's life, with a memorial gathering from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m., Sunday, April 22nd (the following day) at the American Legion Post #298, 228 North 20th Street. Please omit flowers, and in lieu of flowers consider making donations to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan. Arrangements by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages and/or favorite memories of Jim may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.