Much-loved East Kilbride stalwart, Jim Newell, passes away
Tributes have been paid to a popular East Kilbride man who passed away this month.
James( Jim) Ne well passed away on September 28 at his home, aged 83.
An open air service was held at the family home, Netherton Lodge, attended by his family on October 7.
This was followed by a drive to the South Lanarkshire crematorium, with many people gathering to pay their respects in places such as the Village Theatre and the EK Thistle Football ground.
Jim worked in the Navy and often spoke of his time seeing the Northern Lights in Iceland and guarding the Forth Rail Bridge.
He was brought up in Glasgow and attended St Rollox Church, where he was christened, and was married to his wife Jessie on August 26, 1960.
He also worked in Tailoring, a porter in the hospital and the test beds at Rolls-Royce and in 2003 got to appreciate the engines by taking a trip on Concorde, just before it was grounded.
Jim spent most of his life married to Jessie and they recently celebrated their 60 th wedding anniversary.
They had five children, Brenda, Cameron, Duncan, Graham and Andrew, who is sadly now deceased.
Jim and Jessie’s home became a hub for family and friends, with barbecues, treasure hunts and parties.
Jim took great care of his wife in recent years and towards the end of Jim’s life, she resided in Kings Gate Nursing Home.
The pair celebrated their anniversary at Kings Gate, in a large tent in the gardens and Jim was very happy.
The couple were very well known in East Kilbride, and were popular members of the Greenhills Parish Church congregation.
The church played a huge role in Jim’s life, and he would attend every Sunday. Jim was an elder in Greenhills.
He also took a huge interest in the international students that would visit Green hills and in particular Andy from
China.
In their married life, Jim and Jessie were known to have fostered over 100 children together and would regularly take the children to Greenhills Church.
The pair also enjoyed many holidays, such as a trip to Canada, a cruise to Denmark and a cruise on the QE2 ship.
Jim was also one of the founding members of EK football team, East Kilbride Thistle.
He was a proud member since they were founded and celebrated such successes as their 50th anniversary in 2018 and their 1983 Scottish Junior cup victory.
There was also low points, such as a number of relegations and the devastating fire that wiped out the teams thriving social club.
Jim also made huge contributions to the Greenhills Panto club, since it first began 30 years ago.
He has played and dressed up as Doctors, Pirates and Ministers in these productions.
Jim was also a part of the Greenhills Male Voice choir, entertaining clubs and groups all over East Kilbride.