James (Jim) Melton Newkirk, of Murray, Utah passed away on August 10, 2014. He was born to Donald Alva Newkirk and Bonnie Jean Middleton. He grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah and graduated from West High School in 1973 where he was Senior Class Vice President.
Jim worked for AT&T as a manager for over 20 years. He lived in many places during that time including Oregon, Florida, California, Colorado, and Utah. He was always up for an adventure personally and professionally.
Jim was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hike, bike, ski, camp and go river rafting. He loved to travel. Europe, and Africa, and the Oregon Coast were among his favorite places. He had a strong affection for art and photography and he himself was a talented photographer; he often had a camera with him to capture beautiful moments. He had a great passion for music, and he loved his stereo and his vinyl records. Among his favorites artists were George Harrison, Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, and CSN&Y. He also enjoyed NPR and PBS programming.
He was a very loving and kind individual. He would do anything for anybody, especially his 5 children which were the “love and light of his life” and his 2 grandchildren. He was always willing to help where there was a need or offer an encouraging word. He really liked to talk to people on an intellectual level, and was always learning new things. He was a very deep thinker and was always trying to understand the world around us.
He will be missed by many. Loved by all. His spirit will live on inside of us.
He is survived by his children Pasquel (Chris) Hansen, Lindsey, Zachary, Madison, and Jacob Newkirk. Grandchildren Ayla and Aidan Hansen. Mother Bonnie Newkirk. Sisters Karen Pryor, Donna (Scott) Sterzer, and Cindy (Lance) Kueffner. Former wives Susan Baird and Carolee (Scott) Argyle. Many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
He is preceded in death by his father Don, brother in law Bob Pryor, and best friend Gordon Brundle.
Memorial services will be held on Thursday, August 14, 2014, 6 pm at the Murray Memorial Mortuary, 5850 South 900 East. Friends and family are invited to attend a gathering beginning at 5 pm. In lieu of flowers, spend some time in the mountains.