James Newkirk

James H. Newkirk, 88 year old Vinita resident, died Saturday, January 30, 2010 at Rosewood Terrace in Vinita. He was born February 14, 1921 in El Reno, OK to Adrian and Gladys Heitzman Newkirk. James served his country in the Army Air Corp for three years serving in Italy and Germany attaining the rank of Tech Sgt. After his time in the service he lived in Coffeyville for several years working at the Sinclair Refinery, Dixon Mfg, and Continental Can Company, before moving to Orlando, Florida to work for Lockheed Martin. While working there, he was a supervisor of a team that went to Europe to convert WW II Pershing Missiles, working there for 8 ½ years, then he retired. After retirement he moved to Zolfo Springs, Florida where he was a member of the First Baptist Church of Wauchula, Florida. Later they moved back to the Vinita area. Those preceding him in death include his wife of 35 years, Laura "Dolly" Newkirk, a daughter Sharon Newkirk Hoggatt, his parents, two sisters and one brother. The family includes: one daughter, Linda Dick and husband Terry of Belle Plaine, Kansas, one sister, Evelyn Hemphill of Bonner Springs, Kansas, two brothers and their wives, Jerry and Mettie Newkirk of Peculiar, MO, Cloyce and Barbara Newkirk of Miami, OK, a special niece and her husband, Sandy and Richard Norton of Mound Valley, Kansas. The funeral service will be held Wednesday, February 3, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at the Bluejacket Baptist Church, with Dr. Gordon Hatcher officiating. Interment will follow at the Williams Timberhill Cemetery east of Welch. Online condolences may be made at www.honoringmemories.com. Friends may give to the Bluejacket Baptist Church. Arrangements are by the Luginbuel Funeral Home of Vinita.

Service Details

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2010 2:00pm, Bluejacket Baptist Church

Interment Details

Williams Timberhill