"I Hope People Called Me Generous": Tallahassee's John Newton Remembered

Table of Contents

A Life of Generosity and Impact

John Newton, a beloved figure in Tallahassee, left an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew him. His passing after a long battle with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis has brought together friends, colleagues, and community members to celebrate his life and legacy.

Just fifteen days before his death, John shared on Facebook that he had sold his sailboat, a vessel he had owned since 1991. “My body tells me it’s time to move on,” he wrote, expressing both sadness at parting with his Hobie Cat and relief that it would go to a fellow sailor. This moment marked a significant shift in his life, as he continued to engage in activities like fishing and target shooting, showing his resilience and love for adventure.

Despite his health challenges, John remained hopeful for a lung transplant at Shands Hospital, which he believed could slow the progression of his illness. He had been part of a pharmaceutical trial and maintained a positive outlook throughout his journey. However, a night of emergency help became a turning point when his oxygen equipment failed, leading to his hospitalization. With his daughter Colleen and close friends by his side, he passed away on the afternoon of September 8.

The phrase "dear friends" encapsulates the breadth of John's relationships. As a retired administrative law judge, runner, sailor, hiker, lawyer, and compassionate individual, he was known for his wide circle of friends. Attorney Bob Weiss noted over 50 responses to a Facebook post announcing John's death, many of which referred to him as their best friend. This sentiment highlights the deep connections John formed throughout his life.

A Legacy of Friendship and Compassion

John's friendships spanned across ages and professions, and he was known for bringing people together. Despite his numerous achievements, he often felt he wasn’t enough, yet his impact on others was undeniable. Friends like Cari Roth, a law school friend and longtime running partner, remembered their last conversation. John expressed his hope that people would say he was a generous man. Roth emphasized that he truly was, offering more than just financial support—he gave personal interest and caring in an extraordinary way.

Many careers and friendships began with a “Newton connection.” He provided exceptional professional advice and sought a county judgeship in 2006 because he believed it was where the law met real life for everyday citizens. Although he lost the race, he built a successful law practice, always mindful of the underdog.

One of his notable cases involved representing Florida shrimpers against a constitutional amendment banning large fishing nets. John went out of his way to understand their work and fears, showing his passion for their cause. His dedication extended beyond the courtroom, as he immersed himself in the lives of those he represented.

A Journey of Resilience and Dedication

John's early life was marked by challenges. Born in Nashville in 1952, he moved to Avon Park, Florida, where he grew up. After his father’s early death, his mother remarried, and John developed a strong bond with his stepfather, John Welch Fisher. His path to becoming a lawyer was clear from a young age, leading him to attend South Florida Junior College, complete his undergraduate degree at Florida State University, and earn his law degree from FSU’s College of Law.

Admitted to The Florida Bar in 1977, John practiced in public service and private firms, including working for Al Gore during the 2000 presidential recount. He retired in 2024 as a judge with the Division of Administrative Hearings (DOAH), dedicating his life to public service.

Former chief administrative law judge Bob Cohen described John as a “mensch” for his commitment to serving others, especially those less fortunate. Quoting John Lennon’s Imagine, Cohen highlighted John's vision of a world where people of all races, creeds, and national origins lived in harmony. Weiss added that John was proud of his daughter Colleen, whose principled life and activism in Los Angeles reflected the values he instilled in her.

A Life of Service and Reflection

John's career was marked by a dedication to justice, from his role as a law clerk for a federal judge to his work as assistant Florida attorney general and general counsel for the Agency for Persons with Disabilities. He was actively involved in various legal organizations, including The Florida Bar, Legal Aid Foundation, and the Tallahassee Bar Association. Cohen noted that John was single-minded in his pursuit of justice for all, whether for individuals or corporations.

Life tested John early, as a diving accident at 16 severed his spinal cord. Doctors predicted paralysis and possible brain damage, but his sister credited their mother's determination for his recovery. While the accident caused a lifelong limp and chronic back pain, it did not deter John from pursuing his ambitions. He became a dedicated runner, competed in marathons, backpacked with friends, and sailed skillfully even in rough waters.

Colleen, his daughter, described her father as the best dad anyone could want. He taught her about justice, right and wrong, and inspired her to lead a meaningful life. Her words reflect the profound impact John had on those around him.

In his final months, John reread Robert Frost’s “The Road Not Taken” and posted it on Facebook, finding relevance and reflection in its message. His life was a testament to choosing the path less traveled, leaving behind a legacy of generosity, compassion, and unwavering dedication to others.