JAMES "JIM"

FRANKLIN STEWART

Longtime Valley resident James "Jim" Franklin Stewart, 88, died Feb. 8, 2002, at the Palmer Pioneer Home after an extended illness. A gathering of family and friends was held at the Palmer Elks Lodge Tuesday, Feb. 12.

Mr. Stewart was born Jan. 19, 1914, in Conrad, Mont., spending his early adulthood in Montana. He moved to Alaska in May 1951, where he met his wife Kathleen "Kit" Patten, whom he married in 1952.

Mr. Stewart worked as a cowboy, truck driver and carpenter in his early years before moving to Alaska. Once in Alaska he worked on the Patten family dairy farm before going to work at Matanuska Maid Dairy, where he worked as a maintenance engineer until his retirement in 1974. After retirement Jim and Kit enjoyed traveling during the winters and spending the summers in Alaska with family. Jim enjoyed working with wood, collecting belt buckles and visiting with family and friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Kathleen Stewart and eldest son, James Ross Stewart.

He is survived by sons and daughter-in-laws, Russell and Rosalita Stewart of Woodinville, Wash., Frank and Cindy Stewart, Mike and Lori Stewart, all of Palmer; grandchildren Rick Stewart and Wendy White of Washington, Shaun, Jamie, Kelsey, Candice and Reanna Stewart of Palmer; and 10 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Valley, 3051 E. Palmer-Wasilla Hwy., Wasilla AK 99654.