James Leslie Stewart (Jimmy) was born on February 16, 1949, and passed away on September 27, 2024, after battling cancer. He was the son of Frank Henry and Eldorene Stewart. He graduated from Bolivar High School in 1967 and from Central Methodist College, Fayette, MO in 1971.

Jimmy was one of the 1983 founders of the Springfield Rugby Football Club. He proudly wore number four and continued to play into his early forties. He was a fierce competitor who was loved and feared by many. He made so many hilarious memories with his devoted rugby buddies that are probably not appropriate for this article.

Jim took pride in his work for Chemcentral and Univar. He was originally a truck driver who transitioned into a top-performing salesman. Through his work, he never met a stranger and made lifelong friends. After he retired from Univar in 2013, Jim loved spending time with family and friends at his cabin on Table Rock Lake and riding his Harley Davidson with friends. However, his most favorite pastime was his role as Papaw. Jim's legendary personality allowed him to make millions of friends during his lifetime. They included his college buddies, RBP motorcycle club, rugby buddies, work friends, and neighbors. He enjoyed watching the Kansas City Chiefs and Arkansas Razorbacks play football. Jim faithfully cared for his mother and several of his friends when they needed his help.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his dearly loved granddaughter, Emma Elizabeth Stewart, and many other family members. He is survived by his loving and caring companion, Diana Jones (we all thank God for D), his son, Travis James Stewart (Heather Holden) of Houston, MO, daughters Erin Stewart McAninch (Cale) and son Cohen of Ozark, MO, and Lindsay Shae Collins (Sam) and daughter Sophia of Overland Park, KS, and his sister Jan Stewart Wilson of Gainesville, FL. He also leaves behind cousins, nieces, and nephews, plus dear friends, the Zimmer family, Pat, Peggy, Sam, and Joe of Rogersville, MO.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home on October 12, 2024, at 2 pm. Visitation will be from 3 - 5 pm. For those who will be attending, feel free to dress casually (SRFC items, Harley Davidson gear, or Chiefs gear). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association (in memory of Emma Elizabeth Stewart) http://www2.heart.org/goto/Stewart or Make-A-Wish Foundation (in memory of Emma as well).

Jimmy will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him. Services will be led by his favorite pastor, Josh Hall. After his Celebration of Life, he will be buried at Greenwood Cemetary in Bolivar, MO near his loving parents at a later private family ceremony.