JAMES CURTIS NEWTON

James Curtis Newton, 73, of Panama City Beach, passed away Sunday, May 13, 2012. Curt was born December 15, 1938 in Panama City and was a 1956 graduate of Bay High School. He attended Florida State University where he received an ROTC commission. He entered the Army, attended flight school at Ft. Rucker and flew Mohawks for many years . He flew in Viet Nam in 1965-66 and for the Georgia National Guard. In the Reserves he taught in the Command and General Staff School and retired in 1989 as a Lieutenant Colonel . Curt's scouting career began in cub scouts and lasted his entire life. He participated in Troop 48 sponsored by the Rotary Club and was chosen to attend the l956 World Jamboree in Denmark and Sweden. As an adult Curt served as Scoutmaster and in various leadership positions for the councils wherever he lived and was presented the Silver Beaver Award from the Atlanta Area Council. While serving in the National Guard he was also a principal in Cobb County, Georgia. His gentle leadership and kind ways earned him the unending respect and affection from teachers, students, scouts and military colleagues. After retirement Curt and Shirley sold their home in Atlanta and lived full time in their RV for several years before settling back in Panama City in 2009. They served as Wagonmasters for SMART, Special Military Active Retired Travel club, and made many friends from all over the country. Mr. Newton was a member of the First United Methodist Church of Panama City and the Asbury Sunday School Class. He is survived by his wife, Shirley Newton; three children, Michael A. Newton (Jeanne), Laura Newton Hawes (Michael), Christopher G. Newton (Donna); and six grandchildren, Ashley, Andrew, David, Daniel, Grady and Corrie. A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday at the First United Methodist Church of Panama City with Rev. Steve Rascoe officiating. Following the service the family will greet friends at the church. Those desiring may make memorial donations to the Boy Scouts of America Troop #82, 903 E 4th Street, Panama City, FL 32401, to the Boy Scout Council in your local area or to Canine Companions for Independence, 8150 Clarcona Ocoee Road, Orlando, FL 32818 in memory of Curt Newton.

Wilson Funeral Home