James A Newman II

Mr. Newman retired as Master Chief from the United States Navy, having served his country during Desert Storm. Jim earned a Master’s Degree in botany. His passion for horticulture and landscaping was exemplified through his dedication to the plant and nursery profession.

He was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, James O’Rourke, Sr. and an aunt, Marsha Meirink.

He is survived by his loving wife, Cheryl, nee Krause, Newman whom he married on Aug. 6, 1983; a son, Ryan Newman of O’Fallon, Ill., his parents, James and Jeanne Newman of Washington, Ill.; a sister, Kim O’Rourke of LaGrange, Ill.; a niece, Kelley (Rafael) Sanchez; two nephews, James O’Rourke, Jr. and Sean (Jennifer) O’Rourke; as well as aunts, uncles, close cousins, other relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Belleville Area Humane Society, 1301 S. 11th St., Belleville, IL 62226 or the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675. Condolences may be expressed online on at www.valhallagardensandfuneralhome.com

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 7 pm on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016 at Valhalla Gaerdner Holten Funeral Home, 3412 Frank Scott Parkway West, Belleville, IL 62223.

Service: A graveside service will be held on Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2016 at 1:00 pm at Evergreen Memorial Gardens in Kewanee, IL with Mr. James O’Rourke, Jr. officiating.