Obituary of James W. Newkerk

James W. Newkerk - 89 years, 11 months and 2 days, passed away at his home on Saturday morning, June 30, 2018 surrounded by his family.

Born on July 28, 1928 in Delhi, He was the son of the late Harold “Hype” and Ruth (Chambers) Newkerk.

James was a lifelong resident of DeLancey, he attended the 1 room school house next door to his current home of 59 years, he went on to graduate with a regent’s diploma in 1946 from Delaware Academy, where he was a four sport athlete in Basketball, Baseball, Football and Track and was later inducted in 1996 for outstanding athletics to the Section IV Hall of Fame.   Later Jim was also a member of the Hamden Baseball Team, winning the Reporter League in 1949.

Mr. Newkerk proudly served in the US Army from 1946-1947 in Okinawa, Japan with the Army Corps of Engineers.  Following his service, Jim graduated from Alfred University with an AAS in 1952.

He was married to Lois Jane Rider on February 15, 1958 in Waterville, NY, the couple was married 59 years until her passing on July 16, 2017.

Jim was electrician working as a member of the IBEW Local #325 for over 65 years.   He also served as a Town of Hamden Councilman from 1964-76 and served as Supervisor from 1976-81 and he also served as Water Commissioner. Dedicated to his community, Jim served on the Hamden Cemetery Board, the Boy Scouts of America, as a Hospice Volunteer for 6 years, a 44 year member of the American Legion and a 67 year member of Delaware River Lodge #439 F&AM.  He was also voted Citizen of the Year in 2008.

Mr. Newkerk was a 90 year member of the DeLancey United Presbyterian Church, serving as Trustee, Deacon, Elder and Sunday School Teacher.

Jim also enjoyed being a HAM radio operator and held a Citizen Radio Station License.  He also was a Horse Owner in the Harness Racing Commission.

Besides his parents and wife, James was predeceased by two infant children: James W. Newkerk, Jr., and Cheryl Ann Newkerk; a brother: John C. Newkerk; and a sister: Frances Newkerk Hoyt. 

James is survived by two daughters: Joni R. (William) Wilson of Gloversville and Jane N. Alverson of DeLancey; grandchildren: Brett (Amanda) Wilson of Nashville, TN and Jenelle (Ryan) Wilson Wheeler of Averill Park; great-grandsons: Ryder James Wilson and Calvin James Wheeler; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Friends and relatives are invited to call on the family from 10AM until Noon on Saturday, July 7, 2018 at the DeLancey United Presbyterian Church, County Highway 2, DeLancey, where a masonic service will be held followed by a funeral service at noon will follow. Burial with full military honors will be at Hamden Cemetery.

Contributions in memory of James may be made to the DeLancey United Presbyterian Church or to Heart of the Catskills Humane Society.

Please visit www.macarthurfh.com to share a condolence with the family