Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mr. James Lee “Boopy” Newsom was born on October 17, 1941.

James was the first born child to the union of Joshua and Lillian Newsom.

James departed this life on September 17, 2021 in Henderson, NC.

James, throughout his life, was affectionately known as “Boopy” to family, other friends and relatives. He never met a stranger because of his friendly, jovial personality and sense of humor, never forgetting who you were. He loved to be about people engaging in unique conversations in places that included flea markets, family gatherings and at one of his favorite hangouts, White Castle in Columbus, OH.

James, being adventurous and exploring new horizons, was a high achiever graduating from Mount Hope High School, Mount Hope, WV at the age of 16, and starting an academic education at Bluefield State University, Bluefield, WV. While at Bluefield State James played football and even played a game against Ohio State University’s Archie Griffith. He graduated with Bachelor’s Degrees in Mathematics and Biology. He was an avid reader and enjoyed bowling.

James, eventually settled in Ohio to be among his family, children and grandchildren. During his lifetime he also lived or worked in various states that included New York, Missouri, WV and NC. James was an entrepreneur, worked for several years for the former CAMACO Weatherization agency involved in heating/air conditioning service, rehabilitation or repair of homes throughout the Columbus, OH area and also retired from Genco/Sears.

James, in addition to his parents, was preceded in death by brothers, Audrey Patrick, William Wayne, Joshua, Charles Andrew, Felipe, Edwin, Eddie, Ronnie and Aaron.

James leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Euretta Newsom; sons, Trenaine of AL; Semaj and Temyus of OH; daughter, Yuneqca of OH; brothers, Ronnie, Roger, and Timothy Newsom, all of WV and Dana and Dwight Newsom, both of MD; sisters, Patricia Newsom, Betty Nicholes, Jostina Thomas and Regina Harris, all of OH, Brenda Newsom of RI, Lillian Alberty of MI; Sheila Marion of MD; Sharon Newsom of PA and Elana Newsom of WV; aunt, Margaret Jackson of Charleston, WV; ten grandchildren; one great-grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be 12:00Noon Saturday, October 9, 2021 at Heart of God Ministries 1703 S. Kanawha St., Beckley with Bishop David Allen officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley.

Friends, while wearing masks and observing social distancing, may view one hour prior to the service.

Email condolences to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.