James S. “Stew” Stewart, 71, of Belleville, IL, born Sunday, May 15, 1949, in Indianapolis, IN, passed away Tuesday, February 2, 2021, at Memorial Hospital in Belleville, IL.
Stew was a First Sergeant for the U. S. Air Force, retiring with the 375th CES. Following his retirement, he owned a pest control company. He was a lifetime member of VFW Post #4183, the Smithton Sportsman Club, and was a Desert Storm veteran. Stew loved golfing, spending time with his family, and walking the hills of Brown County, Indiana.
He was preceded in death by his:
- Daughter, Nicole Stewart-Pickler
- Son, Jackson Stewart
- Parents, James R. and Rosemary, nee Stevens, Stewart
- Birth mother, Martha Mae Grider
- Grandson, Tobias Pickler
- Brother, Dale
- Sister, Judy
Surviving are his:
- Wife, Deborah S., nee Boughner, Stewart of Belleville, IL
- Children:
- Jamie (Patrick) Hopper of Belleville, IL
- Jefferson (Jacqueline) Stewart of Belleville, IL
- Mallory Stewart (Christopher Hippard) of Millstadt, IL
- Brother, John (Georgia) Grider of IN
- Sister, Mary Hays of KY
- Numerous beloved grandchildren
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the Patty Gregory Mayoral Fund.
Visitation: Visitation from 1:00 – 4:00 pm, Sunday, February 7, 2021, at Kurrus Funeral Home in Belleville, IL.
COVID-19 restrictions will be followed– masks required and social distancing. Please be respectful of time so others may pay their respects to the family.
Funeral: Due to Covid-19, funeral services will be private, with Chaplain Cari Frus officiating.
8 Comments To "James S. “Stew” Stewart"
#1 Comment By Sandra LaBriere On February 4, 2021 @ 9:57 pm
I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was a good man and we always enjoyed his visits when he came to spray for us. Sandy LaBriere and the Perkes family.
#2 Comment By Jeff Laurel On February 4, 2021 @ 10:03 pm
Stew you will be missed. You were a good supervisor. It was a pleasure to serve under you. Lots of memories and good times while at England AFB, 23 CRS, Test Cell. And while deployed for Desert Storm.
#3 Comment By Karen and Bart Eaton On February 5, 2021 @ 11:04 am
I felt that Jim was a good friend, and I enjoyed talking with him while he sprayed for us. I am going to really miss him. Condolences to his family and friends.
#4 Comment By James Corn On February 5, 2021 @ 5:36 pm
Jim was a special friend, golf partner and companion on many occasions. He will be missed by many. The family should be proud of the examples he set for others and his compassion for friends in need. Jim RIP. You are already missed by many.
#5 Comment By Diane Trim On February 5, 2021 @ 7:35 pm
Rest In Peace Mr. Stewart! I will forever be thankful for the love you and the family gave me! My sincerest condolences
#6 Comment By Ted Coleman On February 5, 2021 @ 8:05 pm
I am still at a loss for words. Jim was a very special & dear friend. We served, argued, laughed & drank together. No better a friend could any man ask for. We were so different yet so much alike. When we were on active duty we were the two oldest NCO’s in our Squadron and got into more than our share of tough situations resulting in a special friendship that lasted decades into retirement. I will truly miss our talks and spirited discussions. My sincere condolences are extended to Debbie and their children. Stew was a good man and will be missed by many.
#7 Comment By Donald Schwoebel On February 7, 2021 @ 7:16 am
My deepest condolences to Jim’s family. Jim was a dear friend and will be deeply missed. RIP.
#8 Comment By Greg bayley On February 9, 2021 @ 2:29 pm
I am so sorry, i just heard of stews passing. He was my 1 shirt when i commanded the 375 MXS. He was my right arm and i trusted his judgement completely. Even better, he was a true friend, we played gol together many times and had a beer or two. One of the best NCOs i have every worked with. Debbie i am truly sorry i missed the visitation, i would have been there if i had known. RIP my friend and fellow veteran