James “Jim” C. Newkirk, age 55 died January 19, surrounded by his family. Jim was the oldest of James and Carolyn Newkirk formerly of Levelland Texas.
He was born June 18, 1968, in Levelland. He graduated from Levelland High School in 1986, was on the golf team at South Plains College where he graduated in 1988. He later graduated from Western Texas Community College in Snyder. Jim worked in the golf industry for more than 30 years. Although Jim was diagnosed with Leukemia in 2009, the disease did not define him. For those of us lucky enough to have him in our lives, he taught us how to live, love, and persevere. His passions were his family, friends, work, golf, old cars, and lake time. The world will never be the same without Jim.
He was truly an extraordinary and loving human who possessed the ability to spread joy and positivity to everyone, even amid adversity.
He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Rhonda (Synatschk) Newkirk of Haslet, Texas; daughter, Madison Newkirk, son Mason Newkirk, parents James and Carolyn Newkirk, sister Anjanette (husband Scott) Garrett of Keller, Texas; Mother and Father-in-law Michael and Sharon Holmes of Levelland Texas: Sisterin- law Cherie (husband Paxton) Payton of Lubbock, Texas, nieces Sloan and Sydney Payton of Lubbock; along with countless extended family members and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held February 3 , at 2p.m .at Squaw Valley Golf Course, 2439 E. Highway 67, Glen Rose, Texas 76043. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the North Texas Golf Course Superintendents Association Foundation.