Edward James Newell, 86, of Micco, Florida passed away on the morning of February 5, 2022, at the William Childs Hospice House in Palm Bay with his daughter, Melinda, and her dog, Sukee, near his bedside.
James was born October 27, 1935, and raised in Chicago, IL. He graduated from Austin High School, Chicago, IL, in 1953 and from Lake Forest College, Lake Forest, IL in 1958 with a Business degree.
James was a proud Veteran, having served a few years during his early 20’s in the Army and Army Reserve and was stationed at Fort Ord in California for a time.
In his early professional life, he worked in sales for Mobil Oil in Chicago, IL and Madison, WI.
He then worked in sales for the Ransburg Corporation in Indianapolis, IN. After moving to Florida, he started a few different entrepreneurial ventures but primarily worked in real estate as an independent sales broker and as a home builder/contractor.
James moved to Miami, FL in the early 70’s and never left the state. He lived in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Davie, Melbourne (Palm Bay) and Micco. He loved Florida… the ocean, its beaches, its people, the variety of animals and nature, and its Intracoastal waterways.
He earned his private pilot’s license in his early adult years and enjoyed flying small prop planes. In his latter years, he could be frequently seen at private airports chatting it up with other pilots though he no longer flew.
While in Miami, he was a motorboat owner and, when given the chance, would always take the opportunity to sail to the Islands; Bimini was his favorite. Playing the piano by ear was one of his hidden talents; he loved playing along with and singing the music of the great Crooners (for a one-minute clip of him playing https://youtu.be/oiYgHu-N9pk).
James was a huge animal lover and over the years owned and cared for a horse as well as a number of dogs and cats.
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James attended First Baptist Church, Barefoot Bay.
He is survived by his children, Daniel and Melinda and their mother, Josephine Lemcke; son, Jon and mother Valerie Smith; daughter-in-law, Lisa; and other Newell, Holmes, Galvin and Maki family members. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Jeannette (Holmes) Newell; and other Newell, Holmes, Galvin, and Maki family members, as well as his many pets.
A private memorial service with immediate family and friends was held on February 6 at Fisherman’s Landing Park in Grant. James requested to be cremated and his remains to be scattered at sea.
The family of James is incredibly thankful for Pastor Rick Lesh of First Baptist Church, Barefoot Bay, for his loving support and fervent prayers.
We request any donations in honor of our father’s memory, please be made to First Baptist Church, 303 Barefoot Blvd, Barefoot Bay, FL 32976.
We are also very grateful for James’ loving in-home caregivers, the hospice staff of Health First, and the William Childs Hospice House staff for caring for our father during his battle with throat cancer.
Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. 1 Corinthians 13:4-7.
Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28.