James Newman

Dr. James Newman, age 86, passed away peacefully on March 5, 2024, in Venice, Florida.  He was born in Chattanooga, Tennessee to Andrew and Hilda Newman.  

Jim was commissioned in 1959 as a second lieutenant officer in the United States Army, but most of his life he spent as a teacher, mentor, and good neighbor.

After receiving his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan, he taught for 30 years in the Special Education Department of Southern Connecticut State University. He was greatly loved and long remembered by his students.  During those years he was also active in the American Association of University Professors, served as Assistant to the Vice President of Academic Affairs, and chair of the Faculty Advisory Committee to the University System’s Board of Trustees.  

Jim was a sociable and gifted person who quickly found himself in leadership roles.  When he retired as Professor Emeritus, he moved to Hilton Head Island where he served as president of his Homeowners Association, cofounded the E-Z Riders bicycle club, and was active in the camera club.   He loved visiting family and friends, sampling local cuisine when traveling abroad, reading, and exploring the creative possibilities of computer software. 

Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife, Kathy Newman, and is survived by two sons: Daryl Gregory and Kevin Newman, four grandchildren Andrew, Haley, Kristina and KJ Newman and three great-grandchildren Drew, Aurora and Dray Newman.

A Celebration of Life will take place at Robbins Funeral Home, 2251 Mineral Spring Ave, North Providence, Rhode Island, on March 26, 2024 11:00am.  Military honors will follow at 11:30 am. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Southern Connecticut State University Foundation 501 Crescent Street New Haven, CT 06515. Attention: Advancement Services. Please mark “Newman Scholarship Fund” on the memo line.