James Litton Stewart

June 7, 1934 - November 6, 2021

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visitation

Tucker Funeral Home

113 North Third Street

Central City, KY 42330

270-754-1551 |

Friday 11/12, 10:00 am

service

Tucker Funeral Home

113 North Third Street

Central City, KY 42330

270-754-1551 |

Friday 11/12, 1:00 pm

cemetery

Evergreen Cemetery

506 East Main Cross

Greenville, KY 42345

James Litton Stewart, 87, of Owensboro, KY, passed away on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at Heartford House Hospice and Palliative Care. James was born to the late James McCulloch Stewart of Hamilton, Scotland UK, and the late Bertha Valentine Litton Stewart of East Bernstadt, KY on June 7, 1934 in Owensboro. The Stewarts lived in Browder, KY before moving to Drakesboro, where James would later build a career and a life as a respected educator and school leader.

James married Nancy Sue Arnold in 1960. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, his daughter Margaret Lynne (Mike) Alvey of Owensboro, a son James Howard Stewart of Louisville, a son Thomas Alan Stewart of Bowling Green, a grandson Jamie (Staci) Alvey and a great-granddaughter Harper Lynne Alvey of Union, KY, and a grandson Will (Shelby) Alvey of Louisville. James is also survived by his sister Ella (James) McPherson, brother-in-law Gary Arnold and sister-in-law Brenda Arnold, his nephew Stewart (Stacey) McPherson, his nephew Jeremy Arnold, and several cousins and close friends.

James was a graduate of Drakesboro Consolidated School and later Western Kentucky University after completing a four-year tour in the United States Navy. He taught mathematics at Drakesboro School and was principal for two years at Graham School before returning to Drakesboro where he would serve as principal twice – once as principal of Drakesboro Consolidated School, and again as principal of Drakesboro Elementary. James believed in teaching and school leadership as a mission – a vocation – and regularly articulated that to his teachers and staff. He held various leadership roles at the Muhlenberg County Board of Education and finally retired in 2001 after serving six years as Superintendent of Schools.

James was a lifelong member of Drakesboro United Methodist Church, where he was treasurer for many years, as well as a member of the Muhlenberg Community Hospital Board. He received accolades and many awards of appreciation from various sectors through his years of public and community service. In later years James was an avid golfer, enjoyed connecting with his friends from Drakesboro and Muhlenberg County, and always laughed at a “Seinfeld” rerun.

The funeral will be held at Tucker Funeral Home, 113 North Third St., Central City on Friday, November 12 at 1:00 PM with visitation from 10:00 AM until 12:00 PM. Face coverings will be required. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Drakesboro United Methodist Church (c/o Kaleb Evitts, PO Box 157, Drakesboro, KY 42337) or the Parkinson’s Foundation (www.parkinsons.org). A private burial for family members only will follow the funeral at Evergreen Cemetery in Greenville, KY.

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Tucker Funeral Home

113 North Third Street

Central City, KY 42330

270-754-1551 | Map

Friday 11/12, 10:00 am

Tucker Funeral Home

113 North Third Street

Central City, KY 42330

270-754-1551 | Map

Friday 11/12, 1:00 pm

Evergreen Cemetery

506 East Main Cross

Greenville, KY 42345

Map

James Litton Stewart, 87, of Owensboro, KY, passed away on Saturday, November 6, 2021 at Heartford House Hospice and Palliative Care. James was born to the late James McCulloch Stewart of Hamilton, Scotland UK, and the late Bertha Valentine Litton Stewart of East Bernstadt, KY on June 7, 1934 in Owensboro. The Stewarts lived inContinue Reading

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Nancy and family, Janie Facebook me Saturday telling me of James passing . So sorry for your loss. I have great memories of James through the years as he was a great friend of Dale's and they kept in contact all their life. I remember him coming and staying with us a few weeks back in the 50's when we lived in Michigan. He and his parents and sister always was a great family ! I remember you and I being in the same grade at Drakesboro. May you seek comfort in God , family and friends during your time of grief.

My sincere sympathy to James' wife and children and grandchildren and other family members. James was a personal friend of my brother Dale. They attended Drakesboro Consolidated School and graduated together. He lived with us for a very short time when we lived in Michigan. He always felt like a brother to me. However, when we moved back to Drakesboro, he was my school teacher in Junior High School. I loved him dearly. He was always respected and loved by our family. A true gentlemen and wonderful educator. We will always have very fond memories of James; a very special man.

He was a great and wonderful man he will be missed

Mr. Stewart was a wonderful teacher. I have fond memories of being in his classes at Drakesboro High in the early 70s. He will be missed.

James Stewart was my favorite high school teacher, a good friend, fellow church member and fellow graduate of WKU. Before I attended my first math class under Mr. Stewart, I did not realize I was particularly good at mathematics. He opened my eyes and gave me a new path forward as I went through high school and college. As a friend, we loved to discuss WKU athletics. I will miss those interactions with him and I want to extend my condolences to Nancy and the rest of the family. He was a fine gentleman.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Lynne and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad sounds like a truly wonderful man. May our sweet lord take away the sting of your loss and replace it with all the sweet memories of such a life well lived. Mary and Rick Moore

Nancy, you Lynn, Jimmy, Tommy and family are in my prayers. There is nothing I can say about James for the life he lived spoke for itself. May his memories for ever live on. And his legacy live in and through those that love him best. Y’all are in my prayers today and in days to come. I will not be able to attend his celebration of life. But wanted you to know my prayers and thoughts are with you. Much Love Cassie

Nancy and family, so sorry to hear about James. My prayer is that God be with the family and give you strength and peace during this time.

So sorry for your loss. Mr. Stewart was always a sweet man and a fair Principal. Prayers for your family during this time.

So sorry to hear of Mr. Stewart passing. Prayers for the family. Great man who taught me a lot of valuable lessons. This world and especially the students at Drakesboro school was richly blessed to have him and his family.

Mr. Stewart was a kind and gentle man, and one of my favorite teachers at Drakesboro. He was my biggest motivator in one of my classes and pushed me to succeed. A great man he was! Condolences to the family. May God continue to wrap His loving arms around the family as you go through this difficult time.

Mr. Stewart was a wonderful man whom I admired as an educator and leader. I hadn't seen him in years but will always remember his kindness shown toward me as a young girl. I worked as a student during the summer when the county offered students summer jobs during his time as principal at Drakesboro. He was so kind. Deepest sympathy for his family. He will be missed.

Nancy and Family, We send our sincerest and deepest condolences to you. James has always gone out of his way to be nice to all he knew and he will be fondly remembered by a lot of people for a long, long time. May God bring you peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Mr. Stewart was a kind man. He was my school principal at Drakesboro. The last time I saw him was at Alumni Banquet. I had the opportunity to speak with him. Condolences to the family.

Mr. Stewart was kind honest and a very outstanding human being. One of very best principals and superintendent I had the privilege to work with. Sending prayers to Nancy and his family.

My deepest condolences to the Stewart family. May the God of all comfort grant you peace now and the days to come.

I have known James all my life. Always has been a fine , kind person. I am sorry for his family’s loss . When men like James passes on, it is a huge loss to the community

Tom, Lifting you and your family up in prayer during this difficult time.

So sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

I'm so sorry to hear of this. Keeping everyone in my thoughts and prayers.

Mr Stweart was a great example of a fine man and kind person. He was my principle at Drakesboro. He led with dignity and caring. He has left a true legacy and will be remembered by many Condolences to his fine family and church family at Drakesboro Methodist

So sad to hear about Mr. Stewart. You are in my thoughts & prayers. Times like this it is hard, Grief & sorrows are there If you just recall all your fond & loving memories it will help.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.