James Newton, 48

James M. Newton, 48, of Mountain Home, Idaho, died Wednesday, July 14, 2004, at the Elmore Medical Center Hospital.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 20, at St. Mary's Church in Coventry, Conn., with burial to follow at New Willimantic Cemetery. Local arrangements are under the direction of Summers Funeral Homes, McMurtrey Chapel in Mountain Home.

James was born Oct. 10, 1955, in Stafford, Conn., the son of Leon and Regina Newton.

James married Marta Gallegos on July 31, 1976.

He joined the Air Force in October 1976 and served for 26 years, being honorably discharged in 2002 with the rank of SMSgt. James was stationed at Homestead AFB, Florida from 1977-1983 where his son, Michael, was born in August 1979, and daughter Michelle was born in January 1981.

After a three-year tour in Germany, he and his family were stationed at Ellsworth AFB, South Dakota from 1986-1999.

He finished his military career at Mountain Home AFB as part of the 391st Fighter Squadron.

James had a bachelors degree and was working toward a masters degree through Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

He had a passion for studying wildlife and enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting.

James was a member of the Idaho Herpetology Society and National Horseshoe Pitchers Association.

He is survived by: his wife, Marta Newton; son Michael Newton; daughter Michelle Newton; brother Kurt Newton; and sisters Christine Herrera and Lisa Robinson.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

"He will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and will be missed dearly," his family said.