Obituary: James Gary Newton, 84

James Gary Newton, 84, died Saturday, May 24, 2025, and to start his next adventure. He was born at home on Oct. 3, 1940, in New Haven.

He attended St. Catherine’s Catholic School in New Haven from grammar school through high school, graduating in 1959. In the early 1960’s, he started working for RC Cola in Louisville as a salesman, winning many sales awards.

In 1963, he married Patsy Rose Masterson. In 1966, he was drafted into the U.S. Army as an infantry soldier. After proudly serving his country, he returned to RC Cola.

He did his basic training at Fort Knox, and advanced training at Fort Leonard Wood where he qualified as a sharpshooter and served on the U.S. Army Rifle Team. His first station was Korea where he spent 20 days. In early 1967, he shipped out to Vietnam.

During his time in combat, he always had his trusty German Shepard, Chip with him. Because of extraordinary dangerous circumstances, he only spent 10 months in combat before returning to the U.S. He attained the rank of Sergeant after 22 months in the Army, and he was honorably discharged. He was proud to have served his country.

In 1973, he married Sadie Davidson who had 6 children from a previous marriage, Rick, Dwayne, Sheila, Bennie, Renee and Mike.

In 1976, he started, a contracting business building residential homes including two subdivisions. . He also worked with a business partner building homes in Louisville, Clarksville, Ind., and Jeffersonville, Ind., through the late 1980’s.

In the fall of 1992, he was the contractor for the first Texas Roadhouse built in Clarksville. On Feb. 17, 1993, the restaurant opened. Over the next several years, he would build 15 Texas Roadhouse restaurants. In 1997, he received the Texas Roadhouse Legend award presented by Kent Taylor, the founder of Texas Roadhouse.

He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his generosity and his no-nonsense attitude.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James ‘Tony” Newton and Ida Rose Seward Newton; and three siblings, Margaret, Garland and Gordon.

He is survived by his former wife, Patsy Rose Partin; two stepsons, Duwayne Davidson and Rick Davidson; one nephew, Tommy Newton (Karen); his lifelong friend, Andrew Hall (Barbara); and close friend Danny Thompson (Karen).

Visitation is 9 a.m. Monday, June 9, 2025, at the William R. Rust Funeral Home in New Haven.

The Mass of Christian Burial is 11 a.m. June 9, 2025, at St. Catherine Catholic Church with the Rev. Biju Chathely officiating. Burial is in the church cemetery.

The William R. Rust Funeral Home New Haven Chapel in New Haven is in charge of arrangements.

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