James “Jimmy” O. Stewart Jr., age 91, of Mathews, died on Friday, December 13, 2024. Jimmy was born on November 18, 1933 to the late James Sr. and Mary Diggs Stewart of Onemo. He graduated from Mathews High School, class of 1952. After high school, on July 23, 1955, he married his young love, Betty. After marriage, he was soon drafted into the Army. Jimmy spent the majority of his life working for Tidewater Phone Company, later known as Verizon. After retirement, he worked for Mathews County Public Schools transportation and maintenance departments for 10 years.

Jimmy was a member of the Mathews Volunteer Fire Department for 62 years. He was also a member of the Central United Methodist Church. His love for horses was evident as he led the Mathews County Christmas parades with his beloved horse, Preston. He had a love for the outdoors, as many would see him spending most of the summer cutting his grass. He never missed an opportunity to attend one of his grandchildren’s sporting events. He and Betty enjoyed traveling and spending time with family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Linda Ripley.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Betty, of 69 years; his children, Kevin Stewart (Susan), Robin Dehoux (Paul), and Kathy Markham (Rob); his grandchildren, Kristin Powell (Jason), Regan Hudgins (Ryan), Rachel Hudgins (Ross), Olivia Daniel (Zach), and Timmy Dehoux, and great-grandchildren, Brantley, Bryson, James “Colby,” Hallie, Landyn, Kaiden, Emmalynn, Emmett, Everson “Ty,” and Daisy.

The family received friends at Hogg Funeral Home on Monday, December 16, 2024, from 1-1:45 p.m. A chapel service conducted by Pastor Rebecca Rumburg began at 2 o’clock. Entombment followed at Windsor Gardens Cemetery and Mausoleum, Dutton.

In memory of Jimmy, contributions can be made to the Mathews Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 1130, Mathews, Va. 23109, or to Central United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 297, Mathews, Va. 23109.

Services under the direction of Hogg Funeral Home.