James Litton Stewart, 87, of Owensboro, passed away Saturday, November 6, 2021 at Heartford House Hospice and Palliative Care. Born June 7, 1934 in Owensboro to the late James McCulloch Stewart of Hamilton, Scotland UK, and the late Bertha Valentine Litton Stewart of East Bernstadt, Ky. The Stewarts lived in Browder before moving to Drakesboro, where James would later build a career and a life as a respected educator and school leader.
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. James married Nancy Sue Arnold in 1960.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years Nancy Sue Arnold; his daughter Margaret Lynne (Mike) Alvey of Owensboro; sons James Howard Stewart of Louisville and Thomas Alan Stewart of Bowling Green; grandson Jamie (Staci) Alvey and a great-granddaughter Harper Lynne Alvey of Union, Ky., and a grandson Will (Shelby) Alvey of Louisville; sister Ella (James) McPherson; brother-in-law Gary Arnold and sister-in-law Brenda Arnold; nephew Stewart (Stacey) McPherson; nephew Jeremy Arnold, and several cousins and close friends.
Funeral services will be held at Tucker Funeral Home, 113 North Third St., Central City on Friday, November 12 at 1:00 p.m. with visitation from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. 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.
