James A. Stewart

Born James A. Stewart at Seymour, IN on 11-30-1946, he was the son of Wilbur A. and Leona (Siefker) Stewart. He grew up in Brownstown, Indiana where he enjoyed playing in Oak and Hickory forests of the Jackson County, hills. That time period would shape his love for nature during the rest of his life. He graduated from Brownstown, High in 1964. He worked at Cummins Diesel, formed a home building and remodeling company, and worked as a salesman for German sports cars. He married Susan Stewart (surviving) on June 19, 1971. He had the good fortune of marrying one of the finest cooks in the United States. He leaves two sons surviving, Jeb J. Stewart, and Jesse W. Stewart as well as grandchildren, Macie R. Stewart, Eli H. Stewart and Taylor R. Stewart. Mr. Stewart also leaves behind his niece and nephew Kyle and Ellen Barnett and their beautiful families. As well, he leaves behind his beloved dog and comforting companion, Macho. He was preceded in death by a wonderful daughter-in-law, Nicole “Niki” R. Stewart and his sister Barbara. Mr. Stewart received a geology degree from Indiana University at Indianapolis (BA 1976). He began his life career when was hired by the U.S. Geological Survey in October 1976 as a Hydrologic Technician. Mr. Stewart received a Hydrologist rating in 1978 and went to publish studies on Low-Flow Stream Statistics, and Streamflow Network Analysis. He served as Data Chief for a period of 12 years. During that period Mr. Stewart and his crew achieved many innovative improvements in efficiency, accuracy, and safety. Mr. Stewart designed a Tethered boat system that allowed the use of Acoustical Doppler Current Profilers to be used from bridges to measure stream flow replacing a mechanical system that had been used since 1876. This and innovations involving in-stream time of travel and eventually In-stream Doppler systems changed the way stream flow data are obtained in the US and eventually the world. These accomplishments resulted in Stewart receiving the Meritorious Service Award from the US Department of Interior. During his last three years at the Survey he served as District Chief of Indiana. That position changed in name to Director of Indiana Water Science Center during his tenure. Mr. Stewart served as a member of the Shelby Eastern School Board, and enjoyed coaching basketball and little league baseball. Mr. Stewart retired to his farm in Shelby County in 2006 where he lived in an 1830’s two story creek-stone house that he refurbished. He spent much time caring for his woods. He enjoyed farm activities. Mr. Stewart was lucky to have one of the best farm dogs that ever lived. He and his dog Buddy had many adventures, and once had a stand off between coyotes while on horseback. He was fond of his trips and often spoke of his most cherished trips. Two of his favorite outdoor adventures of life were riding horses in the Rocky Mountains and driving sled dogs in Minnesota’s Boundary Waters area. He loved snow skiing in the Rocky Mountains as well. Among Jim’s favorite of his fond memories was taking his son Jesse to Colorado where they got stranded in a blizzard. Even though they were stranded they were able to ski having much of the resort to themselves and two feet of powder snow. Jesse had not skied before that time, but by the end of the day he had became very good. Another memory he was greatly fond of recollecting involved his oldest son Jeb scoring 11 straight points in the 4th quarter to make a comeback from a 20 point deficit against North Decatur giving Waldron a 7-0 record up to that point. Mr. Stewart was so excited during the game he could be seen in taped game footage ripping off his tie and jumping up and down. In amidst of the excitement of that game and his son’s performance, he left his youngest son at the school who eventually caught a ride home on the team bus with his brother Jeb. Jim loved the West. He rode horses in the Rocky Mountains, hiked Utah and California National Parks with his wife Susan. He loved Glacier, Zion, Yosemite, and Yellowstone Parks and many others. He began a hobby of recreating Period Furniture Pieces toward the end of his life. Lovingly prepared by Mr. Stewart prior to his death. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, September 22, 2015 at Freeman Family Funeral Homes and Crematory, Carmony-Ewing Chapel, 819 S. Harrison St. in Shelbyville, with a vigil service at 4 p.m. by Sister Joan Miller. A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2015 at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church, 4218 E. Michigan Road, Shelbyville, with Father Paul Landwerlen officiating. Interment will be at VanPelt Cemetery in Shelby County. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 5635 W. 96th St., Suite 100, Indianapolis, IN 46278.