James Emmett Newkirk

James Emmett Newkirk, 95, of Manilla, passed away Friday, February 7, 2020 at Ashford Place

Health Campus.

Born April 18, 1924 in Rush County, he was the son of Bert Newkirk and Nona Eschol (Stout)

Newkirk.  He married Alma Jean (Warrick) Newkirk on February 11, 1947 and she preceded him

In 2005.

Survivors include his niece, Dessie Arlene Jessup, nephews, William Darrell Nickel, wife Jackie, and Wm. Scott Newkirk, great-nephew, Andrew Newkirk, wife Natasha, great-niece, Sarah Newkirk, and great-great nephews, Cason and Levi Newkirk. He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, a daughter Marlene Roahrig, stillborn son James Emmett Newkirk JR, 5 siblings- Myrle Dwenger, Jessie Akers, Dorothy Nickel, Nellie Wright, and Verlin John Newkirk.

After graduating from Manilla High School in 1941, he worked at the Standard Grocery in Shelbyville, and later worked as a civilian at Camp Atterbury at Edinburgh, Indiana.  In March of 1943 he was drafted into the US Army and served in Scotland, England and France until he was honorably discharged in November of 1945.

After returning to his home in Homer, Indiana, he started work in January 1946 as one of the first employees of "The Rushcraft Shop" in Homer.  The Rushcraft Shop name was changed in 1952 to "The Sampler" where he continued to work until his retirement in September of 1996.  After a few years at the factory he was promoted to sales at the Homer showroom and later became sales manager until his retirement.  After his retirement, he maintained a small workshop at his home.

He was a member of Manilla Methodist Church and a past member of VFW and American Legion.

Emmett enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and pursuing his love of wood working.  According to Emmett, a job was never finished until it was done right.  A favorite saying of his was, "It’s nice to be important- but it's more important to be nice."

Funeral services will be 11:00 am on Tuesday, February 11, 2020 at Glenn E. George & Son Funeral Home, 437 Amos Road, with Dan Leclerc officiating.  Burial will be in Hurst Cemetery in Rush County.  Friends may call on Monday evening, February 10, 2020 from 4:00 until 7:00 pm and Tuesday from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at the funeral home.  Military rites will be conducted by a local veteran’s organization.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Grover Museum, in care of the funeral home.

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