John Robert Newman

John Robert Newman, 80, of Ririe, passed away peacefully at home early Thursday morning, May 28, 2026, after a courageous three-year battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loving wife, Arlene Newman, and family.

John was born on September 7, 1945, in Salt Lake City, the son of Lenox Elmo and Carrie Newman of Ririe.

Known too many as “Big Jake” or “Big John,” he was larger than life in every sense of the phrase. John will be remembered for the comfort and kindness he offered so freely — whether through money, food, time, or heartfelt conversation. He had a remarkable gift for turning strangers into friends and making everyone feel welcome in his presence.

More than anything, John was a devoted family man with a giant heart. From an early age, he took on the responsibility of caring for his mother and sisters after the passing of his father. Those hardships shaped him into a man of strength, compassion, and unwavering dedication to the people he loved.

That fatherly love only grew stronger with his own family. In 1967, he married the love of his life, Arlene Hayes, and together they raised five beautiful — and often mischievous — children whom he cherished deeply. Because of his humble and difficult childhood, John found great joy in giving his children opportunities and experiences he never had himself. He worked tirelessly to ensure his family never went without.

John spent much of his life behind the wheel, hauling just about everything imaginable. From mobile homes creeping down the highway wide enough to block out the sun, to loads of milk and enough Pepsi-Cola to keep half of Idaho caffeinated, he always had a story to tell from the road. Family and friends joked that if it could be hauled, John probably hauled it — usually with one hand on the wheel and the other waving at somebody he knew.

John was a proud father to five children: Little John (deceased), Brian Newman, Julie (Don) Gneiting, James (Tabitha) Newman, and Brenda (Isaac) Porter. He was an ecstatic grandfather to 17 grandchildren and an overwhelmed great-grandfather to “eight and a half” great-grandchildren — a number he joyfully celebrated with countless homemade firework birthday cakes.

John will be remembered for his strength, his enormous heart, and his ability to make ordinary moments unforgettable. Though he has taken his last ride, those who loved him can imagine him somewhere above, holding Little John once again and reunited with many who went before him.

He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all whose lives he touched.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 5, 2026, at the Ririe Stake Center, 14061 N 130 Rd E, Ririe, ID. The family will visit with friends and family Thursday, June 4, 2026, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. also at the stake center and again on Friday from 9:30-10:45 a.m. prior to the service. Burial will be in the Ririe-Shelton Cemetery, under the direction of Eckersell Memorial Chapel in Rigby. Condolences may be sent to the family www.eckersellfuneralhome.com