James Cova Newsome

James Cova Newsome passed away at the Anna Mae Owen Hospice House on Monday, December 18 after an extended illness.

The son of the late Boyce Cova Newsome and Orene Smith Newsome of Golo, Kentucky. James is survived by his wife of 61 years, Glenda Suiter Newsome.

Mr. Newsome was born November 23, 1939, in Highland Park Mich., to the late Boyce Cova and Orene Smith Newsome.  He graduated from Farmington High School in 1958 as the class president.  A Farmington Wildcat Basketball standout, he served in the U.S. Army for two years at Ft. Stewart Georgia prior to returning to his hometown and marrying his high school sweetheart, Glenda Suiter Newsome. Mr. Newsome was a member of New Liberty Baptist Church of Golo, Kentucky.

A retired farmer and a 27-year employee of Tappan, who then worked for General Tire and Airco Carbide in Calvert City, Newsome is a three-year Murray State University Business alumnus.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Thelma Eckerdt and Virginia Purdo.

Survivors include his spouse, Glenda Suiter Newsome, his daughter, Sherry Newsome Purdom (John), his son, Brad Cova Newsome (Nancy), and grandchildren, Zack Newsome, Chandler Purdom Cohoon (Devin), Meredith Purdom, Noah Newsome (Nikki), and Blake Newsome.  Three great-grandchildren, Gracen Cohoon, Ryland Newsome, and Greer Cohoon, His sister, Stella Drew, of Mayfield.  Several nieces and nephews.

An avid University of Kentucky Basketball fan who was known to many as Birdog, a name he gained after serving as the Line Supervisor of Tappan and known for his exemplary expected work ethic from his employees, Newsome was also a passionate hunting and fishing sportsman. 

A public graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m., Friday, December 22, 2023, at Murray Memorial Gardens with Rev. Kerry Lambert officiating. There will be no public visitation held before the graveside service.

All memorial contributions be made to Anna Mae Owen Hospice House, 803 Poplar Street, Murray, Kentucky 42071.

Online condolences can be made to the www.jhchurchill.com