John J Stewart

John J Stewart of River Heights, Utah passed away August 5, 2014.
John was born November 10, 1925. The fifth of six children of Robert Haslam Stewart and Helen May Potter Stewart, John grew up in a close, loving, and supportive family in Brigham City, Utah. He spent his childhood in those post depression years that produced “The Greatest Generation”, those that are now slipping away from us. John attended school in Box Elder where “he learned not to dance”. John claims that the principal of Box Elder High forced him to graduate even though he didn’t deserve it, because it wouldn’t look right for the senior class vice president to not graduate. If John didn’t get anything else out of high school he did meet his equal, a wonderful girl, the daughter of Jack F and Ezma Knudson, Alice Knudson. John was the editor of the school newspaper,and Alice was a reporter. They fell in love and married September 19, 1945 in the Salt Lake City, Utah LDS Temple.
John had a love and natural talent for journalism. John worked for years, including his high school years, for the Box Elder News Journal.
Upon marrying, John and Alice moved to Logan, Utah where John attended and graduated from Utah State University. They built their home in River Heights in 1958. While attending school he worked as an editor for the university information services. During this time he also worked for the Associated Press in a variety of assignments. After graduating, John was hired by USU as a professor of Journalism and English. He later earned his Master’s Degree from the University of Oregon. His master’s thesis on the life of Joseph Smith Jr. became the ground work for one of his earliest published books. John was a prolific writer and enthusiastic researcher. Over his life, in his spare time, he wrote and had published over two dozen historical, religious, and biographical books. John’s heroes were Joseph Smith, Thomas Jefferson, Tom Mix and other individuals noted by courage and productive service to humanity. The family still has possession of other manuscripts unpublished. John joked about leaving an incredible inheritance of rejected manuscripts to his family. One of his books, The Life of Joseph Fielding Smith, was the authorized biography of President Smith and is used as subject matter for the current gospel doctrine course of study. John had the opportunity to personally know and associate with my many noted and fascinating individuals.
John was a master of time management. He was a full time professor for over thirty years, wrote books, magazine articles, and newspaper columns. He gave time to church, civic, and conservation organizations. He served two terms as mayor of River Heights. He was fundamental in creating and establishing the Genealogy Club of America, and NOLA – The National Outlaw and Lawman Association. He participated from the early 60’s until his final years with the Golden Spike Association. John valued the lasting friendships he gained through these associations.

John and Alice had a mutual love for the Teton Mountains and surrounding area. In 1973 they built a modest cabin on the Idaho side of the mountains where they loved to get away. They both enjoyed fly fishing and adventuring through the Teton Valley. John would sit on the deck overlooking the Teton Peaks and write, while Alice would fly fish in the stream below the cabin, go birding, or prepare one of her perfect meals. The Teton Cabin remains a family treasure.
John and Alice Stewart produced 4 children: Rebecca Stewart-Samarrae’, Mary Helen Taylor (Curt), Robert Lane Stewart (Diane Pitcher), John Gregory Stewart. Several dogs and cats joined and were valued members or the family.
John leaves behind one remaining sister who he loved and adored, Bobbie Ann Hunsaker (Collin – a highly regarded brother in law), and a dear sister in law, Phyillis Stewart.
John loved and was proud of his Grand Children: Shane, Molly, Rory, Gabe, Henry, Maggie, Sam TAYLOR and Laura Stewart. The current number of great grand children is at 24.
A considerably large number of loving nieces and nephews will miss John, his sense of humor, and generous nature.

John spent the last 2 ½ years of his life in Saint George, Utah, at the home of his son Greg, who lovingly and loyally cared for him throughout his final days.

There will be no formal visitation or viewing prior to the funeral. However, there will be an informal open house from 7 – 8:30 pm Sunday evening, August 10, in the back yard of the Stewart family home, 263 Temple View Drive River Heights. Those wishing to share memories of John with his family and mingle with friends are invited.
Funeral services will be held Monday at 11:00, August 11, at the River Heights Stake Center chapel 800 South 600 East .
Funeral arrangements provided by Allen-Hall Mortuary. Condolences and memories may be shared online at www.allenmortuaries.com