Obituary for
James Kolbe "Jim" Stewart
James "Jimmy" Stewart, 84, of Salem died January 26 after a long struggle with congestive heart failure. He died at home surrounded by loved ones.
Jim was born in Salem, Oregon on June 4, 1932 to LeRoy and Myrtle Stewart and graduated Salem High in 1950. In 1952 he married Roberta Klempel. They had 4 children, 2 sons and 2 daughters. He was active in Boy Scouts and a long-time member of Rotary. During his working career he was involved in the building industry and eventually established "Jim Stewart Homes" and built many custom-built homes in the Salem-Keizer area. He retired in 1997 and from that time forward spent his summers in Oregon and winters on the California desert.
Jim was an avid sports fan and played baseball and football for Salem High. Later he played both fast pitch and slow pitch softball then refereed
for several years. Following his retirement he was a regular on the pickleball court and the golf course. In 2003 he met and married Maurene Harwell and the next 13 years were spent travelling between their home in Salemtowne for the summer and their home in Indio, California for the winter. Jim lovingly called this lifestyle "the best of both worlds".
He was predeceased by his parents, three half-brothers, and a 3-year old son. Survivors include wife Maurene; son James V. Stewart (Debie) of Hermiston, Oregon; daughter Jackie Heizenreter of Vancouver, Washington; daughter Jill Robles of Keizer, Oregon; 5 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild.
A celebration of life will be planned for early spring. Contributions are suggested to the American Heart association. Arrangements are being handled by Keizer Funeral Chapel.
