James Swaney Newell, 83

James Swaney Newell, loving husband, father and grandfather, “left this world” on March 6, 2011.

Jim was born Nov. 7, 1927, to Austin Williams Newell and Jessee Louise MacDonald Newell in Kalispell. He had one brother, Bill, and two sisters, Janet and Mary Lynn.  Jim grew up in Kalispell, attending school and enjoying summer vacations in Glacier National Park, where his father worked as a forest ranger. Always ambitious in his youth, Jim worked part-time jobs whenever possible after school.

In 1945 Jim graduated and promptly enlisted in the Navy, eager to serve his country in World War II. Following the war, Jim returned home to Kalispell with an honorable discharge.

While working in Kalispell, he met “the cutest girl he had ever seen,” Opal Marian Daley. They were married Sept. 11, 1948, and had four wonderful children, James, Thomas, Janice and Rebecca. In 1959, Jim moved his young family to Billings.  Shortly thereafter, Jim became a broker and with partner, Mike Nardi, started up Newell-Nardi Real Estate Co. Eventually, Jim established Jim Newell Co., and over the next four decades sold commercial real estate throughout Montana.

As lifetime members of the Elks Club, Jim and Opal actively supported their community.

Jim is survived by his wife, Opal, of Billings; four children, James Newell of Billings, Thomas and Debra Newell of Glendive, Janice and Jim Harris of Billings, and Rebecca Newell and Rod Horst of Laurel; as well as 13 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his brother; his two sisters; and his daughter-in-law, Cindy Newell.

Funeral services will be held at Smith West Chapel, located at 304 34 Street West, Billings MT, 59101. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. The casket is closed. A luncheon will follow interment.

Memorials in Jim’s name may be given to Rocky Mountain Hospice, or charity of one’s choice.