John (JD) Davis Newman was born in Liberty, MO on May 9th, 1963.  He was the son of James A. and Sharon M (Davis) Newman.   He passed away peacefully at KU Medical Center after a long and courageous battle with Acute Myloid Luekemia.

John leaves behind his older brother, David A Newman of Indiana, a sister, Jennifer Julien of Kansas City, and a son Joshua Audrey of Arizona.  He also leaves behind 3 nephews:  Danny Newman of Indiana , Conrad Pitz of Eminence,  and James Julien of Overland Park; and 2 nieces Kayleigh Newman of Nebraska and Terri Mae Voyles of Eminence .

John graduated from Shawnee Mission East High School and went to University of Arkansas, Little Rock on a scholarship for competitive springboard diving.

John's legacy is the love, laughter, light and generosity he brought to everyone in his presence.  If you had describe John with one word - it would be passionate.   Be it his love for sports, his love of the water, or his passionate love for his family and friends, he never lost his passion to make all smile around him.

It can be said that the world will be a quieter place without him in it!

The family and friends would like to extend our sincere gratitude for the extraordinary care of the University of Kansas  BMT teams, especially the nurses who cared for, comforted, protected, and beautifully honored John.

A celebration of life will be held in Kansas City with details forthcoming.