Funeral services for longtime area resident James Leroy Newby were held at 2 p.m. on Friday, March 14, at the Lewis Arriola Community Cemetery. Chaplain Marvin Graves officiated. Interment followed at Arriola Cemetery.
James Leroy Newby was born May 2, 1931, to Charley Edward and Florence Bell (Scofield) Newby in Rocky Ford, Colo. He passed away March 10, 2014, in Cortez at age 82.
When Jim was 2 years old the family moved to Arriola. He attended school at Arriola and Cortez until his 10th-grade year when he quit to help on the farm.
Jim was drafted to the Army in December of 1951 and served until January 1953.
On Nov. 8, 1954, Jim married the love of his life, Evelyn Clara Bangs. To this union two children were born, Patricia Lynn and James Denis.
Jim served on the Lewis Arriola Fire Department for 17 years, the MVI water board for six years, Sheriff Reserves for six years, Arriola Cemetery board for three years and SCS nominating committee for one year.
Jim farmed for Wayne Rogers from December 1953 until March 25, 1995 when he suffered a stroke which left him paralyzed on his left side. Jim's life revolved around farming. In the winter he enjoyed snowmobiling. In the 80s, he and Evelyn helped his brother, Raymond and Ellen at their hunting camp. Jim took a lot of pride in his grand kids and great grandkids.
Jim is survived by his daughter, Patty Trudeau and husband, Steve of Cahone; and son, Denis Newby and wife, Renee of Arriola. He leaves behind his seven grandchildren, Chad Kinnett and wife, Janette of Dove Creek, Crystal Cordova and husband, Gilbert of Aztec, N.M., Craig Trudeau of wife, Trina of Loretto, Minn., Kandice Newby of Dolores, Tahnee King of Evanston, Wyo., and Kenzie and Becca Newby of Arriola; eight great grandchildren, Evie, Eli, DiMon, Hailey, Lacey, Cambree, Sammy and Anthony; one brother, Charles Newby; one sister, Nadine Robison; and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charley and Florence Newby; wife of 37 years, Evelyn Newby; brothers, Herbert, Johnny, Raymond and Kenneth; and a sister, Edith Likes.
In lieu of flowers, Jim requested donations to the Arriola Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Four Corners Funeral Chapel, Cortez, CO.
