James Ferrell Stewart

Whinery - Huddleston Funeral Service, Lawton, OK

James Ferrell Stewart

Whinery - Huddleston Funeral Service, Lawton, OK

James Ferrell Stewart

Birth date: September 22, 1941
Death date: October 20, 2014

James Ferrell Stewart
"Mr. Quick"

James Ferrell Stewart, born September 22, 1941 in Lawton, OK to Bradley Orion and Thelma Lewis Stewart. Growing up in Walters, OK he attended Walters Public Schools graduating in 1959. In school James played basketball, football, participated in All State Chorus, began the "Corvettes" quartet and joined the Oklahoma National Guard proudly holding a membership for 6 years, receiving an Honorable Discharge. On August 26, 1961 James married Linda Krae Varner. He attended Central State University securing his Bachelor's Degree in 1964 and his Master's Degree in 1966. Upon graduation James taught school in Mutual, OK where he also sponsored the Youth Group at the First Christian Church. From 1965 to 1970 he taught grade 6 at Hoover Elementary in Lawton, coaching basketball, football and baseball. James taught Science and coached Jr High Football from 1970 to 1973 in Walters. He also owned and operated the Walters Flower Shop. Switching careers, James became an Evaluator for the State Evaluation and Rehabilitation Center in Lawton, from 1973 to 1978. He began Stewart Construction in 1979, building homes in the Geronimo/Walters area for over 20 years. Living in Geronimo, James served on the City Council as a member and a two term Mayor. Never one to be idle, he attended evening classes at Great Plains Vo-Tech where he licensed as an Advanced EMT for the purpose of giving back to his community as a volunteer member of the Geronimo Fire Department Ambulance Service. He volunteered at the Geronimo City Birthday Celebration, City Street Repair and acquired funding for the Sewer Department. He supported his children, as well as many youth of Geronimo in school sports and activities and as a Cub Scout Webelos Leader. James was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Association of South Central Governments, known as ASCOG. As Chairman of the Board he was involved in the distribution of millions of dollars in state funding and projects.

James had a passion for cars and drag racing. A passion that began as a 17 yr. old, when his Father took him to Oklahoma City, entered him in an NHRA race, where low and behold he set the Track Record in his Class. Fueling this passion, years later he owned and operated Lawton Motorsports Park, later known as L A Drag Way and better known as the Geronimo/Faxon Drag Strip. He enjoyed racing his 1948 English Ford Anglia, known as "Mr. Quick". With a Chevy 468 Big Block that ran in the 5.80's, holding a world record. He was most proud in 1982 when the Lawton Motorsports Park Racers won the NHRA Division 4 Bracket Finals Team Championship. During these years James owned and operated Mr. Quick Auto Supply in Lawton, as well as Mr. Quick Ice Distribution. Divorcing in 1993 he moved back to Walters where he continued in construction.

On April 25, 1997 James married Linda Roberts Burford at First Christian Church in Walters. With their love of horticulture and his desire to retire from construction, along with son Matthew, they built and operated Stewart Hydroponic Greenhouses. Their hydroponic vegetables and flowers were sold locally and throughout the Oklahoma City area. Stewart Hydroponic Greenhouses was featured in the High Plains Journal magazine with a two page article and a front page capture of James and his beloved flowers.

Once James "finally" retired he built miniature to scale houses, better known as birdhouses. He and Linda designed and built birdhouses in stucco, wood and metal. Constructing miniature benches, wagons, trees, signs, bell towers and fire pits to enhance these tiny homes. Known as "We Nail Boards Together", they sold their hundreds of collectable birdhouses to individuals and businesses throughout the United States. With the voice of an angel and loving his 50's & 60's music, James was also an excellent dancer. As an avid lover of books and a constant desire for knowledge, he became an aficionado in WWII history.

In addition to his parents, proceeding him in death were his grandparents: John and Bessie Mixa Lewis of Geronimo: James and Gertrude Pope Stewart of Walters: and a son in law, Cotton County Deputy Sheriff Jody Latimer of Geronimo. After a lengthy illness and with his wife at his side, James passed quickly into the loving arms of Jesus on the eve of October 20, 2014.

He is survived by his wife Linda Roberts Stewart of the home. Children Stacy Stewart Latimer Darnell and husband Darrell of Walters, J'Lynn Stewart West and husband Garvin Lee West Jr of Lawton, Jaime Burford Jones and husband William Jones Jr of Lawton, Matthew Burford and wife Kristina Yancey Burford of Statesboro, GA. Grandchildren Whitnee West Schwenn and husband Seth, Garvin West III, Jillian Latimer, Megan Jones Henderson and husband Daniel, William Jones III, Donovan Jones, Samantha Yancey, Ryland Yancey and Ryan Yancey. A brother Larry Stewart and wife Loretta of Lawton, sisters Barbara Stewart Hilbert and husband George of Hulen, Pamela Stewart Parrish and husband Michael of Temple. And many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts and cousins.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, October 25, 2014 at St Paul's United Methodist Church, 910 NW 38th St, Lawton, OK.

James' online guestbook may be signed and condolences sent by visiting www.whineryhuddleston.com.