Jim Newman

James Michael "Jim" Newman was born on February 28, 1956, in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, to Melvin Newman and Lenora McMillan. He left this world leaving behind a lifetime of memories, laughter, music, and unconditional love that will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him.

Jim married his high school sweetheart, Candy, on June 13, 1974. Together they shared many years and raised three children: Gary (Missy) Newman, Jeremiah Newman, and Christina (Travis) Holler. On April 18, 2026, Jim married Denise Lentsch, who brought love, companionship, and happiness into the next chapter of his life.

Jim worked for Roto-Rooter for more than 20 years before retiring in 2018. Although he took great pride in his work, everyone who knew Jim knew that music was where his heart truly belonged. He spent most of his life playing in bands, doing what he loved most—making music and bringing joy to others. His final band, The Stallions, wasn't just a band; they became family. One of his proudest moments was getting to perform a song he had written years earlier, The Wizard, with one of his favorite bands, Coupe Deluxe.

When he wasn't on stage, Jim loved being outdoors. He enjoyed camping, fishing with his brothers, hunting, and reading science fiction books. But nothing meant more to him than being surrounded by his family. He looked forward to family gatherings, treasured every moment with his grandchildren, and loved teasing them with his famous "wounded soldier" prank. His grandchildren knew him as someone who could always make them laugh, and his family knew him as the heart of every gathering.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, Denise Newman; his children, Gary (Missy) Newman, Jeremiah Newman, Christina (Travis) Holler and Justin Walker, the bonus son; and his cherished grandchildren: Austin, Brendan, Zach, Sean, Eli, Rylee, Josh, Tyler, Marissa and Jared.

He is also survived by his siblings, Doug Newman; Rebecca (Greg) Lambertz; Vicki (Chuck) Martin, David (Karla) Newman; and Wendy (Gonzalo) Salazar; his brother-in-law, Rod (Jane) Carpenter; his sisters-in-law, Kim (Tom) Green, Karla (David) Newman, and Cheryl (Gary) Strang; his best friend from The Stallions; many nieces and nephews; and so many wonderful friends who became family over the years.

Jim was welcomed into Heaven by his first wife, Candy; his parents, Melvin Newman and Lenora McMillan; his father-in-law, Donald; his mother-in-law, Genevieve; his brother, Danny Newman; his sisters-in-law, Pam, Sandy, and Deb; and his brothers-in-law, Ronnie and Buddy.

If you were lucky enough to know Jim, you knew you always had someone in your corner. He never hesitated to help someone in need. He had a way of making everyone feel comfortable, accepted, and loved. His smile was contagious, his laugh unforgettable, and his sense of humor could brighten even the hardest days. He believed that family wasn't just who you were related to—it was everyone you welcomed into your life with an open heart.

Jim's greatest legacy isn't just the music he played, but the love he gave so freely. He taught us that life is meant to be lived with kindness, laughter, and a song in your heart.

Though our hearts are broken and we will miss him every day, we find comfort knowing that somewhere, Jim is surrounded by music once again, reunited with those who went before him. His melody will never fade, because it lives on in each of us.

Forever loved. Forever missed. Forever in our hearts.