of Little Rock, AR
August 13, 1950 - April 11, 2018
John J. Newkirk, Jr. 67, of Bryant, Arkansas died suddenly early Wednesday morning while on a business trip in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
Johnny, was the son of John and Geraldine Newkirk of Hot Springs. He is predeceased by his parents. He is survived by the love of his life, his wife Linda of the home, daughter Stephanie (David) Clouston and granddaughter Larkin of Dallas Texas; sisters Diane Gatling of Benton, Jana (Ronnie) McKnight of Maumelle and sister-in-law Debra Westmoreland of Maumelle; and numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and co-workers who all love and will miss him.
Johnny was reared in Hot Springs and deeply treasured his heritage of friends there. He had lifelong friends from Ramble Elementary and Hot Springs High School. It was in Hot Springs that Johnny received Christ as his savior at age nine. He was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock since 1985 and was an active member of the Johnson's Men Sunday School Class.
Johnny graduated from Henderson University, worked at several management positions with McDonald's, TCBY and Collection Services, Inc. before finding his natural calling at the Arkansas Workforce in Foreign Labor Certification Management. He especially loved working with the farmers where his knowledge was valued.
Loyalty was one of Johnny's greatest attributes. His locality to his family was extraordinary, and he rarely missed a family holiday gathering. He clearly enjoyed kidding with all his nieces and nephews at these events, and they adored him for it. He was the family genealogist and he loved climbing through branches and limbs of family trees and digging for family gems in old letters, court records, family Bibles, and on tombstones.
Another piece of his loyalty was given to Arkansas Razorback sports, especially football. He never missed watching a game or attending when possible and had quite a collection of Razorback memorabilia: This love of football was inherited from and tenderly nurtured by a favorite uncle who was lovingly referred to as Uncle Hog. The Razorbacks are losing an avid fan.
Knowing Johnny, you were aware of his connection to Hot Spring. He took part in committee work for class reunions. He was so proud of his Hot Springs heritage and current revitalization efforts of the Park Avenue area.
Since he traveled quite a bit for work, he started collecting room keys years ago. It was a great hobby; many reading this have no doubt contributed to his massive collection. In addition to keys, Hog memorabilia, and family information, Johnny collected friends, quite a few. They are already missing him, but know he is in his Heavenly home.
Funeral service for Mr. Newkirk will be at Immanuel Baptist Church; 501 North Shackleford Rd in Little Rock at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday, April 17, 2018 in the Sanctuary with visitation starting at 10:00 A.M.
Graveside service will be at Rosehill Cemetery, Hope, Arkansas Tuesday, April 17 at 4:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Food Pantry at Immanuel Baptist Church in Little Rock.
As people are gathering together to celebrate Johnny's life I am saddened that I can't be there for the services. Love and prayers to Linda and the family and friends that are missing him.
My deepest sympathy and prayers for the Newkirk family. I have known John for a number of years working with him, as part of a nationwide community, in the foreign labor certification programs. His passion and service to the State of Arkansas and the many thousands of employers and farmworkers he helped cannot be adequately measured. Our community has lost a great co-worker and friend. John always had a smile on his face, loved to fellowship with his colleagues, and will be remembered as a faithful and humble servant. God bless you, John, and the Newkirk family.
My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of John. I worked with John for several years at Career Education where another co-worker and I named him John Boy. He in turn named me Queen I with others in our office being Queen II and Queen III. Those names have remained with us all these years He was such a jokester. Although he left Career Education for another agency and I retired, we still remained in touch. I truly cherish the time we worked together and talked. Peace be with you John Boy.
I will certainly miss my fellow Ghost Hunter. God Bless you my friend.
Mrs. Linda and family,
You all have my deepest sympathy, and you all are in my prayers. John will truly be missed at work!
My deepest condolences to the Newkirk family. I had the privilege of knowing John from the MAFO conferences. His dedication to working with farmers and farmworkers is commendable and he will be missed. God Bless.
John's smile and professionalism will always be remembered. He was an advocate for farm-workers. He enjoyed his job and along the way made many friends. He was always the one smiling face we could count on when arriving at conferences. Collectively nationwide we will miss him as he was a part of our team.
Prayers and condolences to the family and other friends.
Yvette DeLeeuw
MS FLC/SMA
You all forever in my prayers,
During Johns many years of Government service, he distinguished himself as true advocate for farmworkers among his co-workers and colleagues. His pleasant, enthusiastic manner and continued high-quality work helped MAFO: A National Partnership of Farmworker and Rural Organizations develop and realized the National Farmworker Conference every year. John was a valued member of our National Planning Council and team.
Johnny was always full of fun and laughter!! He always looked after me when we played as kids, even saved me from drowning one time! He was also very careing and concerned about others. I always thought about Johnny when Arkansas was playing even though we lived in different states. I know he’s in heaven now and one day “ducky” and I will see him again. Love you 😘
Diane, Johnny and Jana are the only cousins I've really ever known. Your family has always been there for us Robinsons when we needed you. Johnny helped me get my first real job, a bus boy at the Downtowner in Hot Springs. He introduced me to pistachio ice cream at the old Howard Johnson, it's been my favorite ever since. I always think of him every time I eat it and now I still will. That Westbrook gang of kids meant a lot to me. Ill miss him at the Robinson reunion, he was always there. You Newkirks are just swell. Much love,Scott
Linda and Family,
John was a good friend and co-worker. Always had a great since of humor and was meticulous about his work. He was well respected in the Farmer Worker Arena of the Department of Labor and Agriculture. His opinion and recommendations were always spot on! I know he loved his family and friends. I will miss John both as a co-worker and friend. I will always remember that he took me to the horse races for my first experience just last year! We stayed all day and had a wonderful time! My prayers go out to the family. I do pray that God will grant you peace of heart and precious memories to reflect on as you go forward. God Bless. Ron Snead
Condolences to Mrs. Linda and the rest of the family. John was a joy to work with and will be sorely missed at the Department of Workforce Services. We jokingly called John "Sunshine" around the office and he played along with it. Farewell my friend, I'll see you on the other side.
I am so shocked to read about John. I was a friend of his at Henderson State back in our college days. He was always a lot of fun to be around, & had an infectious laugh & a great smile. Again my condolences.
Rest In Peace Cuz
You are home now
Rest in peace dear cousin. will miss sharing birthdays with you!