Hal James Newman

Hal James Newman, a devoted servant to his God, his family, and his country, passed away peacefully on May 17, 2026. He is now joyfully reunited with the love of his life, Jackie.

Born two months premature on June 29, 1936, to Melvin Samuel and Irene James Newman, Hal defied all medical odds. Doctors initially doubted he would survive and later predicted he would never walk. Through the tender care of his mother and maternal grandmother, Hal proved that miracles happen—a theme that defined his entire life.

Raised on the family farm in Holladay, Utah, Hal learned the value of hard work early by milking cows and feeding chickens. As a young man, he worked alongside his father at the Holladay Water Company, learning plumbing and cherishing the time spent side by side with his dad, whom he credited with teaching him how to work.

Following high school, Hal joined the U.S. Navy, serving for two years in San Francisco aboard a Destroyer Escort ship. His service then shifted from country to faith when he accepted a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Southern California/Arizona mission. This experience sparked a lifelong love for Southern California, a place he frequently revisited with his family while sharing fond memories of his missionary days.

Through his dear friend Dave Miller, Hal met Jackie. It was love at first sight. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on January 11, 1967, and were blessed with five children.

Hal built a successful career in men’s retail clothing sales, most notably with the Dahle Group. He had a magnetic personality and a gift for connection; everywhere he went, he ran into friends, always offering a warm handshake or a hug. A passionate sports fan, Hal was a longtime member of the University of Utah Crimson Club and avidly followed both the men's and women's Utah Utes basketball teams. He also loved golfing, especially when sharing the course with his children.

Hal loved his country and was very patriotic and very proud of his time in the Navy.

Hal was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Irene; his beloved wife, Jackie; great granddaughter Abby, and his cherished dog, Demily.

He is survived by his five children: Leslie (Dave), Brad (Angela), Trent (Dena), Dru, and Marnie (Christopher); his grandchildren: Sara (Cory), Parker (Nicole), Hailee (Jake), Andrew, Heather, Ayden, Jack, Cole, Anna, Max, Elizabeth (Calvin), Sam (Ali), Timothy, and Charles; and great-grandchildren: Caleb, Ben, Josh, Liam, Emma, Olivia, Abel, Aydan and DJ.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 5th at the Memorial Holladay Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to a casual Celebration of Life later that evening from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at the Stallings Residence, located at 4106 Cumberland Dr, Holladay, UT 84124.