Conesus: Jim passed away peacefully on Monday, February 12, 2018 at age 79, surrounded by his family. Predeceased by his parents Jim and Marion (Waden) Stewart, brother Larry Stewart, and his sisters Arlene Nowack and Carol Gouthro. Survived by his wife of 54 years, Barbara (Rankin) Stewart; children, Dave (Chrissy), Bob (Monica), Patty (Chris) Genthner; grandchildren, Molly, Hayley, Kelsey, Robbie, Lucas, Tom, Nathan, Jillian, and Natalie; sisters, Diane Stewart and Donna (Gene) Morsch, sister-in-law Dotty Stewart, and Aunt Esther Sharpe. Also survived by nieces and nephews, cousins, and many dear friends.
Jim taught in Dansville for 31 years and also coached the cross country team for 26 years. He will be remembered for his kindness to others, his calm demeanor and his love of his family and friends.
Jim was a member of the Conesus United Church for over 50 years, served in the US Navy from June 1957 until January 1962, served as a Conesus Fire Commissioner for 21 years, and was the Conesus Zoning Inspector for many years. He was elected to the Section V Cross Country Hall of Fame for coaching and was also inducted into the Dansville Central School Hall of Fame. He loved to watch his children and grandchildren play sports, loved the Buffalo Bills, the New York Yankees, and Syracuse Basketball. He was a score keeper for the Wayland-Cohocton Softball Team for 25 years and was the time keeper for the Honeoye Cross Country Team. Jim also enjoyed to work at the Hemlock Fair in the sawmill, liked hunting, working in the barn, and enjoyed nature.
Friends may call on Sunday, February 18th, from 4-7pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Rte 15 & 20A, Livonia, NY. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Monday, February 19th, 11am at the United Methodist Church of Livonia, 21 Summers Street, Livonia, NY. Burial Arnold Cemetery, Conesus, NY with military honors. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the James Stewart Memorial Scholarship, C/O Barb Stewart, PO Box 224, Conesus, NY 14435 or Honor Flight Rochester, PO Box 23581, Rochester, NY 14692. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Dear Barb and Family,
We are so sorry for your great loss. Bob worked with him at the Sawmill at Hemlock Fair. I last saw him at the homecoming of Honor Flight #57 on
October 22, 2017. I took his picture with the “lap robe” he was given.
He was a super guy. RIP Jim
To Mrs. Stewart and family,
Sincere condolences to you at the news of Jim’s passing. He was my cross country coach at Dansville. I admired him for his gentle, sincere manner…he encouraged us to do better athletically, but more importantly, to be better people…I never heard him utter an unkind word though we gave him plenty of opportunities. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kindest regards,
Dr. Ronald Boyd
DCHS ’70
Barb and Stewart family;
Jim and I are so sorry to hear about Jim’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jim and Jill Lynn
Thoughts and prayers to the family/friends. Peace be with you. I remember him helping with the children at VBS on the field. He always had a smile on his face. It was a pleasure to see him always.
I knew Jim before I met any of his family. Little did I know that knowing him was knowing them. He was one of the nicest people I have ever known . . . as are Barb, Dave, Bobby and Patty. What a legacy to leave behind. To know him was indeed an honor and a privilege. He will be greatly missed, but our loss is heaven’s gain. Go with God, Jim.
FAIR WINDS AND FOLLOWING SEAS. R.I.P. SHIPMATE.
We have had the pleasure of knowing and working with Mr. and Mrs. Stewart for years, and it was always a true pleasure. Our hearts go out to your wonderful family.
James and Chimene w/The Livonia Redemption Center
So sorry for all of the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Jim was a great guy!
Bob & Sharon Wolter
Barb and all the Stewart family,
Our hearts and prayers are with you all . May God give you comfort and peace to see you through this difficult time and may you find strength in the beautiful legacy Jim leaves . . . a legacy that lives on in each of you in such a special way.
Dave and MaryJo Dussault
Grandpa Stewart as us softball girls called him, was one of the very best men I’ve ever known. He was the greatest guy to talk to and had the greatest smile. Sitting next to him in his lawn chair every game was always a highlight to my day. Thanks for always giving us all the best softball pep talks. We love you, thank you for everything you’ve done for all of us. And thank you for providing Wayco Softball with the best coach we could ever ask for, your son. You’ve impacted so many people in such great ways. Thanks for all the memories and smiles!! Thoughts and prayers with the Stewart family.
Dear Bob and Family,
Our hearts and prayers are with all of you. Although we did not know your dad well, it always seemed like we did as we shared family stories of trips you would all take and holidays spent together. One’s legacy speaks for itself by those who are left behind and how you have touched their lives. Reading these messages speaks volumes to the man your father and grandfather was. He also raised a family to be so proud of ! Please tell your mother we hold her close to our heart as we do you all. God Bless . The Sykes
Very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Stewart. Our family has always held Mr. Stewart in very high regard. I hope that with time, a sense of comfort is found with warm thoughts and fond memories.
Barb, Dave, Bob,Patty and families, My love, thoughts and prayers to all of you.
I am so sorry for your loss. Jim was a kind, quiet friend to myself and countless others, he trully will be missed. A great loss to the Town of Conesus, as well. Soar high with the angels and God Speed my friend.
Praying for all of you to have peace , strength and comfort from God who gives us the all we need each day. I will be thinking of all of you on Monday but will not be able to attend the service. Kay and Dan Walkley
To the Stewart family,
Tom and I were so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I worked with JIm for years and have never known a person so gentle and kind. He will be missed by so many but what a legacy he leaves with his wonderful family! May God bless! Our prayers and thoughts are with you.
So very sorry for your loss. Even though I did not know him I do know that he has kind children and that says a lot about their father. Rest in peace
So very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing, a great loss to our Livonia-Conesus communities, he will be missed.
Our sincere condolences to the Stewart family.
So very sorry for your loss. Jim was like a father figure for all of us. He was always so easy to talk to. He was a great man and he will be sorely missed.
Barb and Family,
Though we did not have the privilege of knowing Jim, knowing you and your children tells us all—a good and gentle people. May you all find your way to peace and healing in the time to come.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Please accept my condolences. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Stewart family. You’ve all meant so much to my family and Jim will be sorely missed.
We are so sorry for the loss of Jim, who was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and uncle. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Barb…. I am so sorry……All good things come to an end but it seems our times together with the ones we love is so short. Maybe that’s why every second counts so much and through the years you surely have done that. Life goes on and our memories linger, helping to make it possible to head in a different direction. Take care , my friend and may God help you to retain that same strength you have always had to carry on.
I so enjoyed teaching with Jim. Our students were not the easiest to manage, but they responded to his gentle kindness with respect and a desire to be their best.
Mrs. Stewart, Dave, Bob, Patty. Sorry for your loss. Mr. Stewart was such a nice-good man, I enjoyed talking with him over the years. Remember the good times & God Bless you during this difficult time. Jim.
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
My thoughts go out to the Stewart family! As a kid running around Conesus, I remember his kind way. Prayers. Jerah
The Stewart’s, sorry for your loss he was a great and kind man many prayers and thoughts sent your way
I am deeply sorry for your loss. Jim was a wonderful man. My prayers are with you, Barn, and your family.
Dear Bob and family,. I am so sorry for your heartbreaking loss of your Dad. Please know that you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
With sincere sympathy, Mary Jo Watson
Reg and Mary Lynn wish the Family of Jim all our deepest and sincere condolences; prayers and thoughts at this passing of this Great Friend! Many happy memories of our Friendship with Jim and then his wife Barb! Jim will be missed!!!
My deepest sympathy to your family. Will keep you all in my prayers during this difficult time.
If I could sum up Mr.Stewart in one word, it would be remarkable. There wasn’t a kid in Conesus who wasn’t touched by the great soul that he was. His heart was so big and shined so bright. I don’t think I could have had a better neighbor growing up. I don’t think that I would nature half as much as I do if it wasn’t for Mr.Stewart (and Mrs.Stewart) letting my family enjoy walks out back. There will always be a special place in my heart for him and a piece of Conesus will never be the same.
Rest in Peace, Mr. Stewart. You are forever loved and will be missed immensely.
Barb and family- So sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. I remember when I had the school bus run up in your neighborhood. I always enjoyed stopping and saying hi to Jim when he was out getting his paper. He was a very kind man and will be very much missed.
SUCH A NICE KIND MAN IT WAS AN HONOR TO KNOW HIM AND BARB SUCH A NICE FAMILY HE WILL BE MISSED GOD BLESS RIP THINKING OF ALL THE FAMILY
I’m so very sorry for your loss. Our hearts and prayers are with you all.
Barb, I am so sorry for your loss. Jim always had a smile whenever I saw him.
Jim was a gentle giant loved by all who had the pleasure to know him. A tremendous husband, father and grandfather.
Jim was a gentle giant loved by all who had the pleasure to know him. A tremendous husband, father and grandfather. Always thinking of others.
So sad to hear. Our hearts are with all the Stewart family.
Dear Stewart family,
A wonderful life story about a wonderful community servant and devoted family man.
Peace and prayers to your family.
The Fitzgeralds- Bill and Marsha
A wonderful man and a great family. Rest well sir
Bob and family. So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for you all.
A terrific man. A great family man, father, husband, teacher, coach. He will be missed. RIP Jim.