James Gregory “Jim” Newstrom

James Gregory Newstrom, lovingly known as Jim, passed away at the age of 90, leaving behind a family who loved him deeply and a lifetime of memories that will be treasured always.

Originally from Robbinsdale, Minnesota, Jim built a life shaped by family, meaningful work, curiosity, and a genuine kindness toward others. He graduated from University of Minnesota and in 1963, he married the love of his life, Elizabeth “Betty,” beginning a partnership that would span more than six decades and take them across the country and overseas. His career in safety engineering and construction brought them to Louisiana, South Carolina, the Netherlands, Northern Ireland, Tennessee, and New Jersey. Eventually, they settled in Spokane, Washington, where they spent 43 years building a home and a life together. In 2015, Jim and Betty moved to Laguna Woods, California, where they enjoyed their retirement years.

Jim was a gentle soul with a generous heart. He had a special way of making people feel welcome, and his kindness extended to everyone he met. He was always willing to lend a hand, offer help, or find a way to solve a problem. Before dementia began to take its toll, Jim seemed able to fix just about anything around the house—so much so that calling a repairman was rarely necessary. Resourceful, clever, and endlessly capable, he took quiet pride in figuring things out for himself. He also had an eccentric streak and a mischievous sense of humor that brought laughter and delight to those who knew him well.

Jim found joy in life’s simple pleasures and in the things he loved. He enjoyed fishing and time on his boat, creating art and painting, and following his favorite baseball and football teams. He had a well-known appreciation for dessert and a particular fondness for “garage sale candy,” (stored in a recycled coffee can) a small but memorable reminder of the playful spirit that was so much a part of him. His spirituality was an important part of who he was, grounding the gentle, giving nature that defined his life.

Above all else, Jim loved his family. They were his greatest joy and the center of his world. Whether sharing a laugh, lending a helping hand, fixing something that needed attention, or simply being together, Jim expressed his love through the everyday acts of care that often mean the most. His legacy is not measured only in the places he lived, the work he accomplished, or the things he could repair, but in the countless ways he made life better for the people around him.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Betty; his sister, Mary (David Hile); his children, Gregory, Catherine (Paul Dito), and Jeanne (Mark Baldwin); and his six grandchildren, Kayelee (Spencer Hilton), Christine, Ryan, Stephanie, Adam, and Nathan.

Jim will be remembered for his gentle spirit, generous heart, helpful nature, and quiet humor. He leaves behind a family enriched by his love and a lasting example of how much goodness one person can bring into the lives of others. He will be deeply missed and forever loved.

The funeral mass will be at St Nicholas Catholic Church on Monday November 2 at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation to St Vincent de Paul and St Nicholas Church.