Jim Stewart of Caldwell, Idaho, formerly of Marsing, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 10, 2020 at a local care facility.
Jim was born in Nampa, Idaho on April 15, 1934 to Ernest and Edna Stewart, the third of four surviving sons. They lived in Nampa near Lakeview Park until the family moved to Jump Creek in 1943.
Jim graduated high school in 1956 and joined the Army. He was stationed at Fort Eustice in Virginia until his honorable discharge in 1958. He continued in the reserves for four years.
Before leaving for the Army Jim ordered a 1957 Chevrolet from Showalter Chevrolet in Nampa. He picked up the car from the factory in Detroit and drove it back to Idaho. In his treasures Jim had a copy of the ad even today.
Upon arriving in Idaho, Jim took on the responsibility of farming the land where his parents lived. He married Delpha Roberts in 1959 and to this union two children were born. Bill and Barb were Jim’s reason for carrying on after Delpha’s passing in 1973.
Jim’s father passed away in 1967 at which time he took over the family farm and caring for his mother and his own family. He enjoyed 67 years on Jump Creek farming alfalfa seed, corn and other crops. Jim milked cows and raised calves on the farm as well.
In November 1978 Jim met Eleanor through a mutual friend and were married six years later at the home of Dwayne and Margaret Welton. After their wedding they took a honeymoon trip aboard a bus with 40 of their friends and family to Elko, Nevada.
Jim and Eleanor settled on the farm at Marsing, continuing to farm and at times raising baby calves to feeders. Jim loved animals and was never without a farm dog. His beloved Punky and then Annie were his faithful companions. During this time he also worked for the sugar beet factory in Nampa and drove truck with his brother John.
Jim was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2003 and while the diagnosis was disheartening, it didn’t slow him down. He and Eleanor enjoyed many trips in their fifth wheel trailer and also traveled to visit family on the east coast. They travelled to Canada six times in their trailer and spent several winters in Arizona with Scott and Robyn, his son and daughter in law. When travelling long distances became difficult they stayed closer to home, many times at the Bruneau Sand Dunes.
Jim and Eleanor sold the farm at Jump Creek in the spring of 2006 and moved to their home in Nampa. They moved to Caldwell in December 2016 to the new home they built and where Jim lived until his passing.
Jim lived two years at Lenity Assisted Living in Caldwell where he made many friends, including Ryan S. and his wife Cece. Jim loved Ryan for the attention and care he showered on him and asked that he would be a pall bearer. While at Lenity Jim lived across the hall from Eleanor’s sister, Karen, and they enjoyed many meals and times together.
After a brief illness in February 2019 Jim was transferred to Genesis Sunnyridge Facility in Nampa. He made special friends there as well, including Allie, Beaver and Mike who showed him special care and attention. During his illness and failing health he remained positive and loving. He took delight in exercising in the therapy room and loved visits from his family and friends. Tom Robison, a classmate from Marsing, never missed a monthly visit with Jim in many years.
In August 2019 Jim was baptized by his beloved stake president, Chris Stratton, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Through his relationship to the Church Jim had many friends, including Merrill and Darlene Bastian, Chuck and Lisa Manery and Abigail, President Stratton and others. They cared for Eleanor during his illness and continue today and for that Jim was grateful.
Jim had many caregivers but some stand out. Lydia cared for Jim daily while he was still at home. She held a special place in his heart. Harrison Hope Hospice provided care for Jim as well as for his family during the last year of his life. They showed great compassion, especially during his final hours. Jim’s daughter, Mari, spent countless hours caring for and advocating on Jim’s behalf. She spent many hours with her “daddy” and was with him when he took his final breath. They had a special bond shared was like no other. She will always be his Angel.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Eleanor; her children, their spouses, children and grandchildren. Rich (Sharon) Cooper, Dale (Kathy) Cooper, Cindy Ormsby, Ken Cooper, Mari Miller, Don (Lee) Cooper, Jennifer (Jeff) Bramblet, and Scott (Robyn) Cooper all considered Jim a dad. Every one of them has a special relationship to him and they are all grateful for the love, care and devotion he showered on their mother all of these years. He was a gift to their family.
Survivors also include his son, Bill Stewart of Marsing and his daughter Barb Dines of Marsing. He has seven grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren. He loved his grandchildren and great grandchildren very much. He spent many hours at their school and sports activities as well as countless birthday parties and other special occasions. He delighted in their accomplishments and their lives. He also leaves behind a sister in law, Kay Stewart and many nieces and nephews and family friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents; four brothers: Bill, Walt and John, an infant brother; and baby sister, Ernestine. He was also preceded in death by two grandsons, Hayden Dines and Kyle Ormsby.
The family requests that donations be made to the Marsing Disaster Auction, PO Box 493 Marsing, ID 83639

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