James W. Newman, 72, of Columbus went to be with his Lord on Jan. 13, 2011 after an extended illness.

A native of Polk County, he was the son of W.S. (Jim) Newman and Gradie Case Newman. He was a devoted Christian, husband and father, choir director of Faith Baptist Church, a career military man, a Vietnam veteran and owner of Foothills Inventory Service.

Surviving are his wife of 38 years, Allaja Gilbert Newman; a daughter, Pamela Luthringer (Jim) of San Antonio, Texas; two sisters, Marilyn Owens (Pete) of Landrum and Carolyn Greene (Charles) of Mill Spring; three grandchildren and three great- grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a son, Kevin Newman, and a brother, Steve Newman.

Funeral services will be held at noon, Friday, Jan. 21, 2011 in Faith Baptist Church, Hwy #9, Mill Spring, with Pastor Tim Gouge and Rev. Warren Elliott officiating. The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. to wnoon just prior to the service.

Burial will follow in Silver Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

An online guest register is available at www.mcfarlandfuneralchapel.com.

McFarland Funeral Chapel, Tryon.