People of influence: James and Eleanor Newton

James and Eleanor Newton were an uncommon couple. And not just because of longevity. They were married 56 years. James was 94 when he died in 1999. Eleanor was 104 when she died in 2003.

Their legacy lives on with the Uncommon Friends Foundation, a reference to James' book, "Uncommon Friends." In the book he reminisced about friends who were giants of the 20th century in Fort Myers and around the world, such as Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Charles Lindbergh and Harvey Firestone.

James was born in 1905 in Philadelphia and moved to Fort Myers in 1924. He was a real estate developer behind Edison Park in Fort Myers. He also was an entrepreneur and philanthropist.

After her death, Eleanor Newton was remembered as a philanthropist, poet and adventurer.

Both died at their Fort Myers Beach home. At their funerals, mourners waved handkerchiefs farewell. That's how this uncommon couple said goodbye to folks visiting their home.