James W. Newell, age 97, of Brockton, died on April 7, 2023 at St. Joseph Manor. Jim was the husband for 63 years of the late Margaret M. (McCormack) Newell. Born, raised and educated in Brockton, he was the son of the late Guy and Mildred (O’Connell) (Newell) Tucker. Jim and Margaret lived most of their lives in Brockton and later in West Bridgewater.
Jim was a Sargent in the US Army during WWII. He was in the 76th Infantry Division and fought under General Patton in the Battle of the Bulge and many other battles along the way of twenty rivers and 400 miles throughout his trek in Europe. Later in life, he was awarded the highest honor from France, The Legion of Honor Medal at a ceremony at the French Embassy in Boston. He had been previously awarded numerous medals for his dedicated service for our country including two Purple Hearts. He was once honored to be the Grand Marshall in West Bridgewater for their Tri Town Veterans Day Parade.
For many years, he worked in the shoe factories of Brockton. He later worked in various departments for the City of Brockton. He was also a painter and wallpaperer and the custodian of the State Building at the Brockton Fair Grounds. He was always a hard worker and his favorite motto was “No job - too big.”
Jim was a WWII history buff. He loved going to yard sales and was frequently seen shopping at the Dollar Tree store. His happiest times were spent in the company of his many grandchildren and great grandchildren and sharing his favorite meal: franks and beans and apple pie.
Jim was the father of Katherine Asiaf of Bridgewater, Patricia Boyle of Bridgewater, James F. Newell of East Bridgewater, Cheryl Whittemore of E. Taunton, Maryellen Currie of Bridgewater, Daniel Newell of Brockton and the late Kevin F. Newell; and a brother in law George Armstrong of West Bridgewater. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late John, William and Francis Newell, Dina Piasecki and Helen Colombo.
Visiting Hours will be held in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street (Rte 123) Brockton, Tuesday, April 18 from 4-7pm. A Funeral Service will be held Wednesday at 10:30am, followed by burial in Pine Hill Cemetery, West Bridgewater. Donations in his name may be made to the Massachusetts VFW Foundation, Inc., 24 Beacon Street, Room 546-1, State House, Boston, MA 02133.