James Stuart, 95, of Lincoln, died Tuesday, August 21, 2012. Born April 11, 1917 in Lincoln, NE to Charles and Marie (Talbot) Stuart. Married July 24, 1940, to Helen Catherine Davis. Graduated from Lincoln High School in 1935 and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 1940 with BA and BS Degrees. Member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, and received the Phi Delta Theta Legion of Honor Award ; member of the Grand Slam Club of North America; other honors include: Doctor of Humane Letters Degree, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Rotary Club Nebraskan of the Year 1997, Nebraska Skeet Shooting Association’s Hall of Fame April, 1989, Nebraska Business Hall of Fame, 1999. Held various positions with several Boards, Lincoln School Board, Stuart Foundation, Lincoln Foundation, University of Nebraska Foundation, Nebraska Game & Parks Foundation, University of Nebraska Alumni Association President, Director of Nebraska University Endowment Fund for Distinguished Teachers, First-Plymouth Church-Board of Trustees, Board Trustee of Bryan Memorial Hospital, Past President of the Lincoln Community Chest and the Lincoln Chamber of Commerce. Originated Operation Santa Claus in Lincoln in 1948 through Radio Station KFOR. Operation Santa Claus is still in existence.
James was a World War II Veteran serving in the European Theatre receiving his Honorable discharge as a Captain.
Family members include: Wife, Helen Catherine of Lincoln; Daughter & Son-in-law, Catherine Marie Stuart Schmoker (Richard) of Minneapolis; Sons & Daughters-in-law, James Stuart, Jr. (Susan) of Lincoln; William Scott Stuart (Jane) of Lincoln; Grandchildren, Kim & Willard Hunnewell , Bill & Cindy Schmoker, Lisa & Boyd Hesdorffer, James III & Barbara Stuart, Susan & Ken Seiler, Lee & Debbie Stuart, Robert Stuart, Carrie Stuart, Megan Stuart, Scott & Tiffany Stuart, Mark & Karla Stuart; 21 Great Grandchildren; Former Daughters-in-law, Leah Smith Stuart, Ellen Hayes.
Funeral Service: 10:00a.m. Saturday (8-25-12) at First-Plymouth Congregational Church, 2000 D Street, with Rev. Dr. Jim Keck and Rev. Barb Smisek officiating.
Memorials to: First-Plymouth Church, 2000 “D” Street, Lincoln, Nebraska 68502, Phi Delta Theta Memorial Scholarship Fund for Jim Stuart, #2 South Campus Avenue, Oxford Ohio 45056 with notation to the fund. Ducks Unlimited, One Waterfowl Way, Memphis, Tennessee 38120.
Visitation with family greeting friends Friday from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Roper and Sons .
A special “thank you” to all the “girls” from Home Care Assistance and Asera Care Hospice for their love and compassion for our dad.