Joel Thomas Newcome, 47, returned home to his Heavenly Father unexpectedly on Sunday, November 30, 2008 in Tempe, AZ. He was born in Charleston, SC on May 26, 1961 to James and Alice Newcome. He loved to help others, which he did through kind acts of service, a friendly smile, and his cheerful, optimistic personality. He had a deep passion for music and was incredibly talented in singing and writing music. From 1982-1985 Joel served as a member of the U.S. Air Force Honorary Guard. He was employed by Arizona State University in the Office of the VP for Research & Economic Affairs. He was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and enjoyed singing in the choir and serving in Cub Scouts as Cubmaster. He was preceded in death by his mother, Alice Shelor Newcome. He is survived by his beloved sons, Isha and Jesheua Newcome; his father, James Newcome; step-mother, Vivian Fisher; sister, Catherine Newcome; and brother, James "Jim" Newcome, Jr.