James “Pop” Newsome was born in Quitman, Georgia on January 19, 1949 to the late Wilma Newsome
and Prophet Jeremiah Newsome, Sr. He was preceded in death by his loving and devoted wife Lorene
Bell Newsome and brother Prophet Jeremiah, Jr.
God in his infinite wisdom called James from labor to reward on September 25, 2026.
He was educated in Brooks County. He carved his place as a legendary athlete in the Washington Street
High School football program, where he graduated in the class of 1967. He then went on to enlist in the
United States Airforce. He proudly served for 20+ years, retiring as a highly decorated Master Sergeant in 1988. He spent the next two decades working in Aviation Applied Technology industry, as he furthered his education, earning an Associate in Applied Technology.
James is survived by two children; Timothy Newsome, Sr. (Rhonda) of Newnan, GA; Tametria Newsome- Blackmon (Rico Sr.) of Fayetteville, GA. Five grandchildren; Breshaun Newsome, Rhaniya Blackmon, Rico Blackmon II, Jazmyn Newsome, and Timothy Newsome Jr.
He is also survived by four siblings; Lillie Ruth Newsome of Quitman, GA, Willie Frank Newsome of Quitman, GA, Mary Louis Franklin (Joe) of Valdosta, GA and Charles Newsome, Sr. (Shirley) of Quitman GA; a sister-in-law: Mary Sirmans of Quitman, GA; two brothers-in-law: Douglas Hopper, Jr. (Betty) of Valdosta, GA and Amos Bell, Jr. (Doris) of Fayetteville, GA and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends; two Special Friends Fannie McDonald and Chaneta Martin.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2026 at 3:00 P.M. at the Sweetfield Missionary Baptist Church in Quitman, Georgia. Livestream will be available.

Visitation is Friday, October 2, 2026 from 5:00 P.M. - 7:00 P.M. at the Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home.

Please continue to keep the family in your prayers.