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James Stewart 1908 - 1997

James Maitland Stewart was born on May 20, 1908 in Indiana, Indiana County, Pennsylvania United States, and died at age 89 years old on July 2, 1997 in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, CA. James Stewart was buried at Stewart was cremated, and his ashes were interred in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, alongside his wife, Gloria Stewart.

James Maitland Stewart

Jimmy Stewart

May 20, 1908

Indiana, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, United States

July 2, 1997

Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, California, United States

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James Maitland Stewart's History: 1908 - 1997

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Introduction

James Maitland Stewart, better known as Jimmy Stewart, was a beloved American actor who captivated audiences with his endearing charm, impeccable acting skills, and relatable characters. Born in Indiana, Pennsylvania in 1908, Stewart initially pursued a degree in architecture before discovering his passion for acting. He went on to become one of the most accomplished actors of his time, earning numerous awards and accolades throughout his career. Stewart's performances in films such as "It's a Wonderful Life," "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," and "Vertigo" have cemented his status as a Hollywood legend. However, Stewart's contributions to his country as a military veteran are equally notable. After being drafted into the US Army during World War II, he put his acting career on hold and served as a bomber pilot, earning several commendations for his bravery and service. Despite his fame and success, Stewart remained a humble and down-to-earth individual throughout his life. He was known for his strong work ethic, his loyalty to his friends and family, and his unwavering commitment to his country. To this day, he is remembered not only for his talent as an actor, but also for his integrity, courage, and patriotism.
05/20

1908

Birthday

May 20, 1908

Birthdate

Indiana, Indiana County, Pennsylvania United States

Birthplace

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Ethnicity & Family History

James Maitland "Jimmy" Stewart was born on May 20, 1908, in Indiana, Pennsylvania. He came from a Scottish-American family that had settled in the United States in the 18th century. His father, Alexander Maitland Stewart, ran a hardware store, and his mother, Elizabeth Ruth Jackson, was a homemaker. Jimmy Stewart was the eldest of three children and had two younger sisters, Virginia and Mary. The family was Presbyterian and attended church regularly. Growing up, Jimmy was known for his shy and reserved nature, which contrasted with his later public persona as a charismatic and affable Hollywood star. Stewart's family was patriotic, and he grew up with a deep respect for the military. His grandfather fought in the Civil War, and his father served in the Spanish-American War. Stewart himself would go on to serve his country during World War II, becoming a highly decorated military hero. His family's Scottish heritage also played a role in his life, and he was known for his fondness for bagpipes, kilts, and other aspects of Scottish culture. Despite his success and fame, Jimmy Stewart remained close to his family throughout his life and returned frequently to his hometown of Indiana, Pennsylvania.
Nationality & Locations

James "Jimmy" Stewart was born and raised in Indiana, Pennsylvania, a small town about 50 miles east of Pittsburgh. He spent most of his childhood in this town and attended Mercersburg Academy, a college preparatory school located in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania, before going on to study architecture at Princeton University in New Jersey. After graduation, Stewart moved to New York City to pursue a career in acting and eventually settled in Beverly Hills, California. During World War II, Stewart put his acting career on hold to serve in the United States Army Air Forces, and was stationed in various locations around the United States, as well as overseas in England. Following the war, he returned to Hollywood and continued his successful acting career, becoming one of the most recognizable and beloved actors of his time. Despite his success, Stewart remained connected to his roots in Pennsylvania and often returned to his hometown to participate in community events and support local causes. Later in life, Stewart and his wife, Gloria, divided their time between homes in Beverly Hills and their ranch in Mandeville Canyon, located in the mountains above Los Angeles. They also had a home in Palm Desert, California, where Stewart often played golf and was involved in local charities.
Early Life & Education

immy Stewart graduated from Mercersburg Academy in 1928, where he was a member of the football and track teams. He then enrolled at Princeton University, where he studied architecture and graduated in 1932. While at Princeton, Stewart became involved in acting and was a member of the Princeton Triangle Club, which is a musical-comedy theater group. After graduating from Princeton, Stewart decided to pursue a career in acting and moved to New York City. He began studying acting at the Actors Studio and made his Broadway debut in 1932 in the play "Carry Nation." While he found success on Broadway, Stewart was drawn to Hollywood and in 1935 he signed a contract with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer (MGM). Throughout his career, Stewart continued to educate himself and was known as an avid reader. He was also interested in aviation and became a licensed pilot in 1935, flying for pleasure and later serving in the United States Army Air Forces during World War II.
Religious Beliefs

Jimmy Stewart was a Presbyterian, a branch of the Reformed tradition within Protestantism. He grew up attending Presbyterian churches with his family and continued to practice his faith throughout his life. In an interview with the Presbyterian Church USA, Stewart shared how his faith helped him cope with the challenges of being an actor in Hollywood. He credited his Presbyterian upbringing for instilling in him a strong moral foundation, which he believed was essential for success in both his personal and professional life. Stewart was also involved in charitable work and often used his celebrity status to support various causes and organizations that aligned with his religious values. Stewart’s Presbyterian faith was also evident in his personal life. He was married to Gloria Hatrick McLean, a fellow Presbyterian, and the couple raised their children in the Presbyterian Church. In fact, Stewart’s stepson, Ronald McLean, became a Presbyterian minister. The couple also established the Stewart Family Foundation, which supports various causes, including education and religious organizations. Despite his busy schedule as an actor, Stewart made sure to prioritize his faith and his family, demonstrating the importance of his religious beliefs to his personal and professional life.
Military Service

Jimmy Stewart had a notable military career. He was drafted into the US Army in March 1941, shortly before the United States entered World War II. Due to his thin build and height (6'3"), he was initially classified 4-F (unfit for service), but he lobbied for a chance to serve and was ultimately accepted into the Army Air Corps. Stewart was assigned to the 445th Bombardment Group as a B-24 Liberator pilot and eventually rose to the rank of colonel. He flew 20 combat missions over Germany, including a dangerous mission to Berlin, and received several awards for his service, including the Distinguished Flying Cross. He continued to serve in the Air Force Reserve after the war and was eventually promoted to the rank of brigadier general in 1959, becoming the highest-ranking actor in the history of the United States military. Stewart remained involved with the military throughout his life and was a vocal advocate for veterans' causes. He frequently visited troops in Vietnam and supported the construction of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. He was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1985 for his service to his country.
Professional Career

Jimmy Stewart had a long and successful career in Hollywood, beginning in the 1930s and continuing through the 1970s. He is perhaps best known for his roles in classic films such as "It's a Wonderful Life," "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington," and "The Philadelphia Story." Stewart had a unique charm and everyman quality that made him a beloved figure on screen. He was also known for his versatility as an actor, able to portray both comedic and dramatic roles with equal skill. During World War II, Stewart put his Hollywood career on hold and served as a pilot in the United States Army Air Forces. He flew missions in Europe and was eventually promoted to the rank of colonel. After the war, he returned to acting and continued to enjoy success in film and television. In addition to his acting career, Stewart was also involved in philanthropy and political activism, advocating for causes such as environmental conservation and civil rights. Overall, Jimmy Stewart's career was marked by both talent and integrity, making him one of the most beloved actors of his time. Stewart's career was not limited to acting in films and television shows. He was also a talented theater actor, appearing on Broadway in productions such as "Harvey" and "No Time for Sergeants." He was a skilled singer and musician as well, and even released a few albums over the course of his career. Additionally, Stewart was a respected director and producer, and helped to found the production company, "Tomorrow Entertainment." His passion for filmmaking extended beyond his own career, and he was a strong advocate for preserving classic films and film history. Overall, Jimmy Stewart's career spanned many facets of the entertainment industry, and his contributions helped to shape Hollywood into what it is today.
Personal Life & Family

Jimmy Stewart was married to his wife, Gloria Hatrick McLean, for 45 years until her death in 1994. They had twin daughters together, Judy and Kelly. Stewart was a devoted husband and father, and he often put his family first despite his demanding career. He was known for being a shy and private person, and he never let his fame get in the way of his personal life. He had a passion for flying and was an accomplished pilot, owning and flying his own planes throughout his life. Despite being a Hollywood icon, Stewart was known for his humble and down-to-earth personality. He was deeply committed to his community and spent a significant amount of time working for charity. He was also politically active, supporting various causes throughout his life, including environmental protection and civil rights. In recognition of his contributions, Stewart was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1985. Stewart's personal life was not without its challenges, however. He suffered from PTSD after serving in World War II and found it difficult to adjust to civilian life. He also experienced a series of personal losses, including the deaths of his parents and his best friend, Henry Fonda. Despite these challenges, Stewart remained a beloved and respected figure throughout his life and career, and his legacy continues to inspire generations of actors and filmmakers.
07/2

1997

Death

July 2, 1997

Death date

Cardiac Arrest. Stewart had suffered from several health problems, including a respiratory infection and Alzheimer's disease, in the last years of his life.

Cause of death

Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, California United States
Death location

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Gravesite & Burial

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Funeral date
Stewart was cremated, and his ashes were interred in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park in Glendale, California, alongside his wife, Gloria Stewart
Burial location
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James Stewart lived 17 years longer than the average family member when died at the age of 89.

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7 Memories, Stories & Photos about James

Amanda S. Stevenson

17.8k+ favorites

04/16/2019

James Stewart

A photo of James Stewart

Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.

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Amanda S. Stevenson

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04/16/2019

James Stewart was the star of Harvey with Marian Hailey and Helen Hayes and Dort Clark.

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Amanda S. Stevenson

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05/18/2025

Frank Capra and James Stewart

Restored by me (Amanda S. Stevenson) on Capra's birthday.

Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.

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Amanda S. Stevenson

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02/09/2018

Helen Hayes and James Stewart

A photo of Helen Hayes and her autograph on the Playbill in Harvey with James Stewart..

Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.

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Amanda S. Stevenson

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04/14/2019

Arthur O'Connell

A photo of Arthur O'Connell

Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.

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Amanda S. Stevenson

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04/14/2019

Arthur O'Connell

A photo of Arthur O'Connell

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Amanda S. Stevenson

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11/05/2018

Thelma Ritter

A photo of Thelma Ritter

Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.

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Amanda S. Stevenson

17.8k+ favorites

08/09/2017

Dort W Clark and James Stewart

A photo of Dort W Clark and James Stewart in The Hasty Heart.

Date & Place: Not specified or unknown.

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James Stewart's Family Tree & Friends

James Stewart's Family Tree

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James Stewart May 20, 1908 - Jul 2, 1997

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Other Biographies

Other James Stewart Biographies

Stewart, James (May 20, 1908 - Jul 2, 1997) Stewart, James (Born Dec 6, 1932) Stewart, James (Born Nov 28, 1911) Stewart, James (Born Apr 22, 1959) Stewart, James (Born Jun 20, 1948) Stewart, James (Born Apr 10, 1983) Stewart, James (Mar 5, 1857 - Oct 1, 1904) Stewart, James (Born Jan 15, 1978) Stewart, James Stewart, James (Born Jun 5, 1947)

Stewart, James Stewart, James Stewart, James Stewart, James Stewart, James Stewart, James Stewart, James (Mar 22, 1908 - Aug 1978) Stewart, James (1892 - 1974) Stewart, James (Jun 7, 1867 - 1950) Stewart, James (1889 - 1939)

Other Stewart Family Biographies

Stewart, Ardella (Born Aug 31, 1844) Stewart, Artellia (Born Nov 24, 1845) Stewart, Leonard (Born Oct 31, 1840) Stewart, Rowena (Born Mar 29, 1878) Stewart, Samuel (Born Mar 9, 1822) Stewart, Ethel (Born Jul 31, 1879) Stewart, F.a. (Born May 16, 1827) Stewart, Bessie (Born Dec 22, 1889) Stewart, Jacob (Born 1861) Stewart, Charles (Born Apr 1, 1872)

Stewart-Maness, Angela (Born Jun 17, 1973) Stewart, Mitchell (Born Jan 17, 1976) Stewart, William (Born Mar 18, 1868) Stewart, Fred (Born Nov 9, 1894) Stewart, Clara (Born Nov 24, 1897) Stewart, Alice (Born May 23, 1868) Holcomb, Fredna (Sep 21, 1914 - Mar 31, 2003) Stewart, Liell (Born 1890) Stewart, Rebecca Stewart, Celia (Born Aug 13, 1855)

About the AncientFaces Community

James Stewart 1908 - 1997

James Maitland Stewart's History: 1908 - 1997

Introduction

Birthday

Ethnicity & Family History

Nationality & Locations

Early Life & Education

Religious Beliefs

Military Service

Professional Career

Personal Life & Family

Death

Gravesite & Burial

7 Memories, Stories & Photos about James

James Stewart's Family Tree & Friends

James Stewart's Family Tree

James' Friends

Other James Stewart Biographies

Other Stewart Family Biographies