Jimmy F. New

January 25, 1943 – May 30, 2025

Jimmy F. New, 82, passed away peacefully at his home in Golfito, Costa Rica, on Friday, May 30, 2025.

Born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma on January 25, 1943, and raised in Russell, Kansas, he was the son of Frankie and Reba New. Jimmy was a graduate of Russell High School and Kansas State University. He began his career with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources as a wildlife biologist for northern Indiana and later transitioned to become the state’s wetland biologist. He went on to found JFNew & Associates, based in Walkerton, Indiana, an outstanding firm known for its work in ecological consulting and the Midwest’s largest native plant nursery.

Jimmy was an avid outdoorsman throughout his life. It is an understatement to merely say he enjoyed hunting, trapping, fishing, and bird watching. His talent for spotting all types of wildlife led to a passion for photography in his later years. His love for beautiful places and the animals that called those places home were always a part of his personal life and professional pursuits. The impressive number of fish he caught over his lifetime would only be rivaled by the documented bird sighting in his trusty Peterson’s Field Guide.

Jimmy enjoyed a wide range of outdoor adventures throughout the US and abroad, but nothing made him happier than sharing his adventures with others. He loved holding court to share one of his thousands of stories, with the occasional embellishment thrown in (“True story!”). He also loved to take family and friends on “field trips.” Countless people saw the outdoors in a different light or gained a new appreciation after experiencing it with Jimmy.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Judy; his children Dustin (Colleen), Deacon (Jim), Janet (Alan), Julie, and James; his grandchildren Kelsey and Taylor (Ben); and his great-grandchild Emberly. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jennifer.

A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to a conservation organization of your choice in his honor.

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