James Stewart Obituary

James "Jimmy" Edward Stewart
AIKEN, SC - James Edward Stewart went to heaven at 6:30 am on Wednesday, July 2nd, 2014. He died suddenly and peacefully at his home. A memorial service will be held at St. John's United Methodist Church at 11:00 am on Thursday, July 10th. A reception will follow at Newberry Hall.
Jimmy was born in Pendleton, SC on December 2, 1926. He grew up in Pickens County. He attended Clemson College for one year, then joined the army and served in Europe for one year. He returned to Clemson and married the love of his life, Ruth Olivia Myers, while she was teaching in Westminister, SC. A year later, they relocated to Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, after Jimmy joined the South Carolina National Guard. He eventually retired from the National Guard with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
After a brief residence in Greenville, SC, they heard from an old college friend that jobs were plentiful in Aiken so they moved there and Jimmy went to work at the Savannah River Plant.
In 1955 he started his own business, known then as J. E. Stewart Construction Company. Through hard work, long hours, and high standards, the business grew and resulted in hundreds of satisfied customers, many of whom became his dear friends for life.
It was during this time that he became very active in various civic and social organizations, and was president of many of the clubs at some point. He was a devout Christian and was always very involved in church activities. His two favorite pass-times were playing golf and fishing. He was a member of Palmetto Golf Club, Highland Park Country Club, Houndslake Country Club, and Woodside Country Club at different times during his life.
He was also fortunate enough to get to know and play golf with Arnold Palmer. For many years, he was invited to play in Arnie's member/guest tournament at Bay Hill, and told interesting stories about hanging out with Arnie and some of the other pros of Arnie's era in the lounge at Bay Hill.
He spent many hours fishing at Lake Greenwood in the early years, where he had built a family lakehouse; and at Edisto Beach in his later years.
Jimmy also enjoyed all spectator sports, especially golf, baseball, and Clemson football.
He retired in 1981, at age 55, and handed his business down to his son, Jim. He and Ruth started travelling extensively and spent the summers at their home on Edisto Beach. For many years, they made a long, annual trip around the world, visiting new countries each time but also re-visiting friends they had made along the way on previous trips.
They forged many life-long friendships at Edisto too, and eventually became considered by many to be the matriarch and patriarch of the island. They were very active in the Edisto Island Yacht Club; and if the doors were open, they were there.
Jimmy was admired and respected by so many people from all walks of life. He was always willing to lend a helping hand to someone in need.
He will be sorely missed by his children: Carol McNulta (Mac), Jim Stewart (Sharon), and Mary Ann Landes (Horst); also by his grandchildren: Josh Stewart (Erin), Nathan Stewart (Sabrina), Whitten Chavis, and David Rubin (Heather); and his great-grandchildren: Alex Rubin, Olivia Chavis, and Parks Stewart. He was pre-deceased by his daughter, Joy; his grandson, Chris Rubin; and his wife, Ruth, who has been waiting for him in heaven since January.
The children would like to thank Dr. David Cundey, Dr. Dieter Voegele, Dr. Robyn Fallaw, Dr. William Maddox, and especially PA Erin Parks Stewart for the outstanding medical care Daddy received during his golden years. Largely because of you, he lived a very active, full life for the last 15+ years despite serious medical issues; and was able to touch the lives of so many more people.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the St. John's United Methodist Church Building Fund, 104 Newberry St., NW, Aiken, SC 29801.
SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC .
Mr. Stewart's online guest book may be signed at www.shellhousefuneralhome.com