James William (Bill) Newcomer of Ada, MI, formerly of Waldron, MI went to be with his Lord and Savior, August 21, 2022. He was born in Hudson, MI to Rex and Mildred Newcomer. A graduate of Waldron High School in 1967, Bill earned his bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University and also attended Grace Theological Seminary in Winona Lake, Indiana for 2 years. Bill married Nancy Williamson in 1972 and they made their home near Grand Rapids. Bill loved Jesus and his faith was important to him. He was a faithful member of the West Cannon Baptist Church for over 20 years, singing in the choir and teaching men’s Bible studies. Bill worked 34 years for Amway Corporation in the production planning department. He was a loving husband, father, grandpa and friend. His hobbies included photography, writing and reading. Bill enjoyed the outdoors whether gardening, hiking or walking his dog, Christy May. He appreciated good conversation and enjoyed working on his family genealogy. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Joy Newcomer and brother-in-law, Mike Cox. He is survived by his wife of over 50 years, Nancy; two children: Sarah (Duane) Eggebroten of Glennallen, Alaska and Holly Newcomer of Grand Rapids; three grandchildren, Shauna, Tyrell, and Jorgen. He is also survived by his sister, Carol Newcomer of Hudson, MI and brother, John (Carol) Newcomer of Chantilly, VA as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Thursday, August 25, 2022 at West Cannon Baptist Church, 5760 Cannonsburg Road NE, Belmont 49306, with Rev. Dave Parmerlee officiating. Burial will take place in Findlay Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Wednesday from 6-8 pm at West Cannon Baptist Church as well as Thursday for an hour prior to the service. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Never Alone Ministry at West Cannon Baptist Church.
Leave Your Tribute Message
August 24, 2022 9:28am
One of my earliest memories of my dad is him reading to me. He was always reading and I remember curling up next to him on the couch all the time listening to him read aloud to me. I remember warmth and love and gentleness and big arms that would always hold me. He was one of the most kind, gentle, and sensitive people I have ever known. He and I were a lot alike. Quiet thinkers, more introverted in our approach to the world. I’ve always been comforted by our alikeness. He was always the person I knew I could talk to as an adult about things I couldn’t talk about to anyone else. I knew he would always love me and I trusted that even if we might disagree, his perspective on things was always worth listening to. Because I knew whatever perspective he would have, it would be something he would have spent a lot of time thinking through and processing. His response to everything was measured, more thoughtful and more balanced. He was always open and kind to others. He wouldn't shut people out. He exemplified the idea of loving your neighbor irregardless of who that neighbor was. He was rarely judgemental except towards those who honestly deserved his judgment. His faith was actually a real tangible thing that he lived out in the best way. He taught me to think critically, to be kind to everyone, and to not be afraid of the bigger questions of life. The amount of people who loved him even from a distance is exemplary of the kind of person he was. His presence was felt everywhere, not by him seeking the center of attention, but by just being his beautiful self, a lovely quiet presence that welcomed everyone in.
I will always miss him.
- Holly Newcomer
August 23, 2022 2:02pm
Sending hugs and prayers to Bill's family. I grew up with Bill at the Waldron Church of Christ. He was a good friend and fun to be around. He will be missed.
- Sandee Fether
August 23, 2022 7:50am
I'm so sorry to hear of Mr. Newcomer's passing, but I am grateful that he is no longer suffering with earthly ailments. Much love to Holly, and the rest of the family. Hugs to you all.
- Jen Wheaton
August 23, 2022 3:39am
My favorite childhood memories of my dad are him reading books to me in the old green chair with my dog and the popcorn bowl. He made up stories about squirrels and the grumps. He told me about his childhood on the farm and the river and his family heritage. He strummed his guitar and sang funny songs like “Be Kind to your Friends in the Swamp” . On trips he would patiently let me talk non stop and navigate from road maps the routes he already knew by heart. He taught me how to climb trees and let me help in the garden and took me fishing. We rode bikes as a family. He sang in choral society and the calvin college Messiah. I learned to love classical music and to appreciate road trips from him. He was patient and wise and kind and I could talk to him about everything. He understood history and taught me about worldviews. We made regular trips to the library where he gave me the gift of both his guidance and the freedom to explore and bring home 20 books at a time. He had delightfully dry humor and a great deadpan face with the tiniest smirk and twinkle of his eyes. He would take me to my music competitions and I knew he had confidence in me and was proud of me no matter how it went. Then we would go out for ice cream afterwards. He genuinely cared about my friends. He still thought the best of me when others thought the worst. His faithfulness to His God and family was the foundation I grew from and his love will always be a shelter and protection around me. People felt safe and valued with him. He had a gift with my autistic daughter and a special bond with her. He made good memories with his grandsons and was proud of them. He remained a faithful, gentle man through his last days and hours on earth. A world without my dad in it is a darker place. I miss him so much
- Sarah Eggebroten
Order flowers for James's service.
Seasonal Potted Plant (mum, poinsettia, cyclamen, etc.)
Designer’s Choice Grand Vase Arrangement
Beautiful Blessings Wreath
