James “Jimmy” Stewart, Jr., age 61, of North Platte, NE, passed away on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 in North Platte.
Jimmy was born on July 27, 1960 in Council Bluffs, IA, son of James E. Stewart, Sr. and Catherine (Cash) Stewart.
Jimmy graduated from North Platte High School in 1978. He became the first State Wrestling Champion from North Platte in 1977 during his Junior year, and took third place in the State during his Senior year. After his 1st place win he became the first wrestler to make popular the somersault winner flip. Jimmy also competed while in high school on the championship gymnastics trampoline team. He worked for several years for the Union Pacific Railroad and then went on to own and operate J & J flooring company, specializing in carpet and flooring installation. Jimmy was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He also enjoyed playing bass guitar in several local bands, “Innocent Mischief,” “Latin Jam Band,” and for church. Jimmy never met a stranger and loved everyone he met. He will be truly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Surviving are special friend and companion, Deb Wurl, along with her children, Brock (Emily) Wurl, Jackie (Mike) Goede and Derek (Hannah) Wurl and grandchildren, Norah, Caleb, Natalie, Quinn, Eva, Baker, Barrett and Brynn; daughter, Brooke Stewart; grandchildren, Vivian and Valon; sister, Paula McDowell; and several nieces and nephews. Also surviving are special extended family and friends, Pat and Bunny Hinde.
He was preceded in death by his parents, and by a brother, Danny Stewart.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at Messiah Lutheran Church with Pastor Jeff Cottingham officiating. Lunch will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. A graveside service will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Riverview Cemetery in Sutherland. The memorial book will be available for signing at Carpenter Memorial Chapel Tuesday, March 15th from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The service will be live streamed via Carpenter Memorial Facebook page for those unable to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Nebraska Game and Parks Foundation, 301 E State Farm Rd (memo on check James Stewart Memorial). Online condolences may be made to the family at www.carpentermemorial.com.