Dr. James Newman, 82, Was Teacher, Historian

Dr. James Edward Newman of Vineyard Haven died August 1 in The New England Medical Center of Boston after a brief illness. His daughter, Betsy, was by his side. He was 82.

Jim was born March 12, 1922 in Hayfield, Iowa, to George P. and Theresa Hayes Newman. He was raised in Clear Lake, Iowa, with four sisters and two brothers. While attending Notre Dame University he went into the Army and served in World War II. Upon his return he completed his undergraduate work and attended the University of Chicago attaining his master's and Ph.D. degrees in medieval English history, becoming the dean of students and professor of history. In 1954 he married Mary Alice Ross, a fellow Ph.D. and dean in history. In 1962, they adopted their first child, Betsy, and within a few years moved to the Indiana Dunes. Jim then transferred in 1969 to Indiana University Northwest in Gary, Ind., and became chairman of the history department, where he finished out his career. In 1970, they adopted their second child, Mary.

Besides being a loving, caring and loyal family man, he had an illustrious career in education, environmental and charitable causes. He was chairman of the Save the Dunes Foundation. Also, while in Dune Acres he served as president of the board of zoning appeals, the Civic Improvement Foundation and the Richardson Wildlife Sanctuary. He had a great love of nature and frequently hiked the trails, bird watching. Jim and Mary Alice also enjoyed their memberships to the Art Institute of Chicago, The Chicago Symphony Orchestra and The Lyric Opera House. They were members of the Dune Acres Bridge Club, Book Group, Play-Reading Group and on many social committees.

He and Mary Alice traveled extensively throughout Europe, spending his sabbaticals in England, where through the University of York, he researched and wrote many published articles. He was also a local historian working with professor Jim Lane (Indiana University Northwest) on many "Steel Shavings" writings, concerning the history of the local area. He was a beloved professor and advisor to all his students fortunate enough to experience his interesting and lively style of teaching.

Four years ago, due in part to Mary Alice's illness, they made the permanent move to their beloved summer home on Martha's Vineyard, where he continued to be active with the Vineyard Historical Society and served as treasurer for the Vineyard Community on Hunger.

He will always be remembered as a loving, caring and loyal husband as he took on the role of Mary Alice's primary caregiver up until the last few months. He was and still is the truest definition of a "gentleman and a scholar." He always said his favorite role was as a father and there wasn't a greater one around. He will always be loved and he will be truly missed.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Alice; daughters Betsy (Gary) Tull of Roswell, Ga., and Mary (Steven) Costello of Lawrenceville, Ga.; three grandchildren, Sarah Ross, Megan Elizabeth and Jacob Ryan James Costello, two step-grandchildren, Meshka (Scott) Bailey of Cumming, Ga., and Nathan (Tammy) Tull of Dahlonega, Ga., and one step-great-grandson, Samuel Joseph Bailey. Also surviving are a brother, Don (Doris); two sisters, Ann Newman and Margaret (William) Crawford, and many nieces and nephews. Preceding him in death were his parents, brother George, and sisters, Kay Aylward and Ellen (Wellington) Tully.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Saturday, August 14, at Grace Episcopal Church in Vineyard Haven. Following the service, a family and friends gathering will be held at his home at 19 Harborview Lane, Vineyard Haven. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Vineyard Committee on Hunger, P.O. Box 1874, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. Arrangements are by Chapman, Cole and Gleason Funeral Home in Oak Bluffs, www.ccgfuneralhome.com.