James C. Newkirk, age 74, passed away on Sunday, May 30, 2021. He was born on January 6, 1947 in Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Russell Newkirk and Mary Noonan. James married Donna Fairbanks on February 18, 1965 in Cincinnati, Ohio. He worked as a barber for 56 years. James was the proud owner and founder of Newkirk’s Barber Shop at 407 Broadway in Cincinnati. In his spare time, he enjoyed fishing and riding his Harley’s. James loved driving his Ford Mustang’s and spending time with his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Donna, of 56 years; sister Sherry Crow; brother Ray Newkirk; and sister’s in law Ruth Shockley and Carol Clayton. He was preceded in death by his daughter Karen, who passed away on January 8, 1988. A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, June 4, 2021 from 5pm until 8pm at the Fares J. Radel Funeral Home, 5950 Kellogg Avenue (at 275) Cincinnati, OH 45230. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, in Karen’s honor.
A memorial gathering will be held on Friday, June 4, 2021 from 5pm until 8pm at the Fares J. Radel Funeral Home, 5950 Kellogg Avenue (at 275) Cincinnati, OH 45230.
Condolences(20) 
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, in Karen’s honor. 
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Eric Landen says
June 2, 2021 at 8:41 pmI am going to miss those monthly haircuts and more importantly our regular discussions about life and all those great stories (which were just as good the second or third or fourth time around). So glad you fit Teddy in after school so he could meet you and Donna and raid your candy stash. Won’t be the same without you.
Jerry Schmits says
June 3, 2021 at 2:27 pmJim wasn’t just a barber, he was a therapist….and sometime I was a therapist. I believe that people come into and out of our lives for a reason and I’m just glad I had the good fortune of meeting Jimmy. Kindred spirits—we became friends immediately. Rest easy pal.
David Troup says
August 29, 2022 at 11:31 pmI am so sorry to just now learn of Jim’s passing. Donna, you and Jim were much more than barbers to me and Steve; you were friends. Karen, Steve and I send you our deepest sympathy.
John Zoellner says
June 3, 2021 at 2:32 pmJimmy – you always were one of a kind! You will be missed. R.I.P. my friend.
Dan & Diane Roketenetz says
June 3, 2021 at 4:23 pmI’ve known Jimmy since 1968 when I wandered into his shop to get a haircut. He was such a warm and friendly guy that always cared for his customers. Quick with a story that always entertained. He was a larger than life character that will be truly missed by all. He will no doubt rejoice in his reunion with his beloved Karen. Our sincere condolences to Donna and all of his family. Love, Dan and Diane.
Ray Newkirk says
June 3, 2021 at 8:09 pmJim is my brother & I will have a difficult time without him .
He was the greatest brother a brother could wish for .
He made me , my whole life a better man.
I will miss you bro !
Tom Simons says
June 4, 2021 at 7:19 amJim was a master of his craft which attracted to him captains of industry, professionals, politicians, celebrities and other diverse citizenry of the downtown environs. His easy friendliness and limitless stories (most of them true!) brought me back for the next periodic hands-on encounter which never disappointed. His discussions (make that offerings of opinions) and retelling of personal experiences, revealed his wit and his broad understanding of human nature and our culture. He was without pretense and wore the image of the common man proudly with a heart as big as you could possibly find, sometimes sprinkled with a touch of grumpiness that might have revealed a little hint of Irish temper, but never at his customer. Although Jim took charge he subtly revealed how much he relied on Donna to be the head shopkeeper, and wisely so. They have been a great team. My deepest condolences to you Donna.
Bob Malone says
June 4, 2021 at 5:16 pmI’ve only known Jim and Donna for a little time. Jim was one of those people one would never forget. Jim’s friendly personality and gentle nature makes anyone not to love him. RIP Jim and may God have you in his arms. Donna may peace be upon you knowing that your life long partner is in God’s hands.
Frank Marino says
June 6, 2021 at 11:00 pmDonna:
I only just learned of Jim’s passing, and am so very sorry to learn the news. You and Jim were such a dynamic and entertaining duo, truly a unique barber experience. I can say with no fear of contradiction that Jim will be sorely missed by many, many people. I am keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.
With deepest sympathies,
Frank Marino
Chad Reardon says
June 7, 2021 at 3:46 pmDonna, my sincere condolences at this incredibly sad news.
I have been visiting Jim for over 10 years every month for a great hair cut, great stories, many laughs and good times. I always took great pleasure in these visits with Jimmy and Donna. They always brought relaxation no matter how crazy my day was going. Jim was a larger than life character, a good man and a good friend. I will dearly miss him. R.I.P
Don Blum says
June 8, 2021 at 6:05 pmWill always remember the 50+ years of good haircuts, good conversations, and friendship–God Bless
Ryan Rybolt says
June 9, 2021 at 5:21 pmDonna, I was so devastated when I called this week to schedule my haircut and heard your message. You’ve been friends for over 20 years…I’ve enjoyed the many laughs we’ve had together and I’ll miss Jim dearly. Please know my prayers are with you and stay in touch. God bless – Ryan
William Bunn says
June 11, 2021 at 7:24 pmJim and Donna are special people, life changing people and roll models for us all..
Daryl Sawyer says
June 14, 2021 at 6:00 pmDonna: So sorry and sad to learn of Jim’s passing. As you know, Jim and I shared the same birthdate. My best wishes to you and all the years of your service. I sure hope Jim gets his cannoli’s up there. I never knew anyone who got so much enjoyment when I brought them and then the godfather lines. What a great friend.
Andy says
June 17, 2021 at 3:24 pmDonna, I’m so very sorry to hear of Jimmy’s passing. I was shocked to hear of this news today. Stopping by your shop and having the opportunity to enjoy time with you and Jimmy over the years was a joy and truly made coming to work downtown a pleasure. I will greatly miss those conversations about news, work, vacations, old stories, jokes, family and life; but will always remember them. Please take care. – “Andy from 5/3”
Lowell Powers Jr says
June 17, 2021 at 6:21 pmDonna,
Sorry to just recently hear of Jim’s passing. He was truly wonderful man and will be greatly missed. Will certainly miss my regular haircuts whenever I’m in town, and it will definitely be a challenge to locate another barber with your sense of care. Sorry I did not hear about the memorial service until this morning. Please accept my condolences & prayers during these trying times for you.
Lowell Powers, Jr.
Quint says
June 21, 2021 at 6:29 pmTo my friend Jim – rest in peace. You will be sincerely missed and we cannot replace you.
To Donna – my deepest sympathy to your and your family. God bless.
Quint Noe
Emmet Murphy says
June 21, 2021 at 7:02 pmDonna….I only just learned of Jim’s passing and I was so saddened to hear the news. I truly enjoyed all of the time I spent with Jim and you over the past 10 years and I will miss everything about Jim. His warmth, his professionalism, his hospitality, his storytelling, and his larger than life personality. He was absolutely one of a kind. I thank both of you for all of the kindness that you showed me over the years. I will never forget it.
Donna….My deepest sympathies on the loss of Jim. I hope that you find comfort in spending time with your many friends and your family. You are an extraordinary woman and I wish you all the best in the coming years.
Emmet
Thomas Ionna says
June 29, 2021 at 4:11 pmDonna,
I am so sad and sorry about Jim’s passing. I always looked forward to our visits at the shop. He was such a fun spirited person. A great story teller. He will be missed. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers.
Tom Ionna
David Troup says
August 29, 2022 at 11:38 pmI am so sorry to learn just now of Jim’s passing. Donna, you and Jim were more than barbers to me and Steve; you were friends. Thank you for your kindness throughout the years. Karen, Steve and I send you our deepest sympathy.
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