Jessie James Newson

NEWSON ~ Jessie James Newson, affectionately called “June Bug” was born in Columbia, Mississippi, on November 6, 1941, the first of seven children, to the late Tieman and Vinnie Lee Newson. Jessie lived a full life surrounded by laughter and love until the day he was called home. While holding hands with his daughter Jeanne and granddaughter Symone, he peacefully closed his eyes and took his last breath on September 11, 2018 in Jacksonville, Florida. Jessie dedicated himself to work and family at an early age, working in the fields with his grandfather, Jessie Isadore, in Columbia, MS. Learning to drive tractors, trucks, trailers, and farm equipment, taught him about hard labor and the value of money. Jessie and his siblings were left behind while his parents migrated to New Brunswick, New Jersey in search of a better life. He met Rutha Mae Jackson at Friendship Missionary Baptist Church and later married her on June 15th, 1961 in Columbia, Ms. Jessie continued to work hard until his parents returned to move their family from Columbia, MS to New Brunswick, NJ. It was the first time he’d ever driven that far but developed a love for driving from then on. Jessie and his family settled into a house he bought on Suydam St. located right down the street from his parent’s home proving that diligence pays off. His most proud accomplishment was the birth of his son and two daughters whom he loved dearly.  Jessie’s first job as a young adult was at the car wash on Route 1, New Brunswick, NJ then security guard at Korvettes Clothing Store and eventually found his way to doing what he loved, driving trucks for Covino’s and later Twin County Groceries, where he was employed for many years. He hauled products from New Jersey to New York and trained new drivers over the years.  His company was so appreciative of his hard work and dedication, he was given the company’s new truck every time they purchased one.  Jessie also worked as a self-taught bar tender for many years, where he met a lot of life-long friends. He was a people’s person and enjoyed entertaining at his home in Piscataway NJ; where he and his long-term girlfriend, Shirley Brown, lived until he moved to Jacksonville, Florida in 2016.  Jessie was predeceased by his parents, Tieman and Vinnie Lee Newson, three sisters: Bobbie Jean Newson, Shirley Mae Newson, and Florine Newson Magee; and one Grandson: Thomas Alexander Stewart IV. Jessie leaves to cherish his memories, his children: Mitcher Lydell Newson of New Brunswick, NJ, Jeanne Buckholtz (Verdy) of Jacksonville, FL, and Shealeana Marie Stewart of Pyeongtaek, South Korea. Grandchildren: Katreena Moses (Dawanski), Nacole Newson, Natalee Brockington (Lamar), Michelle Newson, Mitcher Newson, Malachi Newson, Janaye Rodgers, Symone Rodgers, and Gabriel Stewart. Great-Grandchildren: Journee Newson, Serenitee Newson, Lamar Brockington Jr, and Alexander Brockington. Sister: Etharine Newson.  Brothers: Jimmy Mac Newson (Liz) and Thomas Newson, and many nieces, nephews, cousin and a host of loving relatives and friends

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