Jimmie Dale Stewart

Jimmie “Jim” Dale Stewart, 85, formerly of Newton, IA, passed away on Sunday, October 22, 2023, in Roscoe, IL. He was born on April 17, 1938, in rural Wharton, AR, the only child of Chester and Stella (Feather) Stewart. His parents separated when he was a child, and he was raised primarily by his mother, maternal grandmother, and extended family in Sallisaw, OK. He graduated from Sallisaw High School in 1955 and was the first in his family to attend college. At Northeastern State College, OK, he discovered a love for chemistry and attended year-round to earn his BA in Education in just three years. After graduation, he began his teaching career in Butler, MO. On one fateful weekend trip to nearby Central Missouri State, he gave his future wife a ride back to Butler. He married Theresa Jackson on May 29, 1960, in Warrensburg, MO, and they started their married life together in Butler. They soon moved the family to Cedar Falls, IA, where he was given an opportunity to earn his master’s degree at the University of Northern Iowa. After completion of his MA, the family settled in Newton. “Mr. Stewart” taught chemistry and advanced chemistry most of his career at NHS. He impacted many chemistry students and was particularly delighted when some pursued related careers. After retirement he enjoyed the remaining years playing and watching golf, traveling the U.S. with his wife, and in the company of his family. Highlights from that part of his life were time spent caring for the farmland in scenic Northeast Iowa and winters in Port Aransas, TX. He will be especially remembered and missed by his daughters, Jana (Bret) Berghoefer and Diana (Drew) Holmes; grandchildren, Erinn (Isaiah) Kronebusch, Ian Holmes, and Nathan (Kaiti) Stewart; and great-grandchildren, Milo Kronebusch, and Charlotte Stewart. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 62 years, Theresa; and his son, Kevin.

No formal services will be held at Jim’s request. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Newton Senior High Chemistry at 800 East 4th Street South, Newton, IA 50208. Sympathy cards to the family of Jim Stewart should be sent c/o Delehanty Funeral Home, 401 River Lane, Loves Park, IL 61111, to be forwarded to the family.