FRANKLIN
James Newkirk went to join his Lord and Savior on April 30 a few days after his 84th birthday, following a brief battle with renal cancer. Jim was born April 24, 1934 in Bedford, Indiana to Charles E. and Ruby (Bell) Newkirk. He married the love of his life Shirley J. Toborg on October 28th, 1956. They enjoyed 61 years of marriage.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Barbara Stapleton and Jeanette Newkirk, his brothers Robert Newkirk and John Newkirk, and his grandson Charles Crow.
Jim graduated from Bedford High School and attended Indiana University. He graduated from Franklin College in 1960, with a degree in Economics/Business.
Jim was also a United States Army Veteran, having been stationed in Ascom City, Korea from 1956-1958. Jim worked his entire career at Eli Lilly and Company, from 1962 until his retirement in 1993 working in various financial areas of the company.
Throughout his life he participated in many activities. He was part of “One Strong Voice” at Eli Lilly, he was also a member of the Jaycee’s of Franklin. While his children were growing up he was a Cub Scout leader, a high school team advisor for Junior Achievement, and a little league coach. He was also a member of Thrivent Financial Fraternal Organization. He also enjoyed hunting with his brothers-in-law.
He was an active member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church and former member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, serving his Lord in many capacities throughout the years.
Jim was a kind and loving man. He had an abundance of pride for his family and loved any time spent with his children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and in -laws. He loved sitting on his front porch in the warm summer months. Jim was a quiet man but always had a warm smile and a wave for anyone he met. He enjoyed yard work and took great pride in his home. He had a strong work ethic that he passed on to all of his children. His positive example and strong words of wisdom live on through his children and grandchildren.
Throughout the years Jim stayed in touch with high school, college classmates and former Eli Lilly colleagues.
Jim will be missed immensely by his wife Shirley and his children and grandchildren: Tom, Mary, Elizabeth (Kevin Gill), and Lauren (Laurent Merceron) Newkirk of Indianapolis; Polly, Steve, Ben and Ali Royal of West Lafayette; Joe, Lynn, Brody, and Abel Newkirk of Carmel; and Amy, John, Noah, and Thomas Crow of Franklin.
Rev. Jeff Alexander will conduct a service on Saturday, May 5th at 11:00 a.m. at Mount Olive Lutheran Church, 5171 W. Smokey Row Road, Greenwood, Indiana 46142. Friends may call on Friday evening, May 4th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Flinn and Maguire Funeral Home, 2898 North Morton Street, (U.S. 31 North) in Franklin and on Saturday, May 5th from 10:00 a.m. to time of service at the church. A graveside service will be conducted on Saturday, May 5th at 2:00 p.m. at Greenlawn Cemetery in Franklin.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Mount Olive Lutheran Church Building Fund, 5171 W. Smokey Row Road, Greenwood, Indiana 46143 or to the American Cancer Society, Central Indiana Office, 5635 W. 96th Street, Ste. 100, Indianapolis, Indiana 46278.
Online condolences may be received at www.flinnmaguire.net
