Obituary of James New

James Richard New, 94, died on April 27, 2010. Born May 2, 1915 to Leo and Mary Elizabeth New in Beeville, Texas, and spent his early years in Houston and San Marcos. He studied engineering at Texas A & M University and was also on the diving team. Jim married Lucille Lee Wilkins on September 15, 1936, and began work in oil exploration with Petty Geophysical. During World War II he served in the Army Corps of Engineers, attaining the rank of Captain. Assigned to the Aviation Battalion in the Asia-Pacific Theater, he was charged with building airfields in the jungles of Burma, and was awarded two Bronze Stars for his meritorious service. Jim settled in Tulsa in 1948, working with Republic Exploration Company. He established his own partnership, Consolidated Geophysical Surveys in 1950 which he operated for thirty years. He was recognized professionally for many significant contributions, including the photographic technique of land surveying, and was an often requested guest speaker to students at the University of Tulsa. After retirement, he continued to keep abreast of new developments, and was honored by the Society of Exploration Geophysicists for sixty years of membership and service. Jim thoroughly enjoyed the outdoors and loved fishing and hunting. He was an avid golfer, from his early years in Houston to his many years of playing with his Tulsa friends - twice winning the Oklahoma Seniors Tournament. A long-time member at the Oaks Country Club, Jim served on the Board of Directors, and as President. Following his wife Lucille's death in 1972, Jim married Doris Jean Mabry on April 10, 1976. They spent thirty-four happy years together, just days shy of celebrating his ninety-fifth birthday. He is survived by his wife, Doris; son Ronald James and wife Barbara Bledsoe New of Fort Collins, CO; daughter Dr. Donna and husband Dr. Kelly B. Deines of Kansas City, MO; grandchildren, James Lamar New, Lindsay Lee New, Lauren Elizabeth New, Laura Wyndham Deines, and Eric Burke Deines; great-grandson, Kekoa James New; niece Mary Truskoloski and nephews Joel New and William Martin. He was predeceased by his sister, Mary New Martin, and brother, Leo New. Above all Jim was a great sport all his life. He was beloved by his family, respected for his integrity, and loved by all who knew him. His sage advice, concern for others, and natural sense of humor will be greatly missed. The family sincerely thanks the caregivers and health professionals from BrightStar and St. John Hospice for their loving care and companionship throughout these last months. Service will be held at Ninde Funeral Home, Tulsa, and internment in Odessa, Missouri.