Jim Stuart, 69, of Elgin, Iowa passed away Monday, September 6, 2021, at his home in Elgin. Norman Jimmy Stuart, the son of JoAnn McEwan, was born January 20, 1952 in Provo, Utah. His mother married Donald Cole when Jim was three years old and Donald became his dad. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969 and served in Viet Nam. He was honorably discharged on November 1, 1975. After serving in the Army, Jim joined the Sheet Metal Workers Union (Local 312) in Salt Lake City, Utah. He started out as an apprentice and worked his way up to Journeyman. He worked as a Foreman and ran many of the assigned jobs as the Boss. Jim retired from the Local 312 after over thirty years and moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. He joined the Sheet Metal Workers Union (Local 88) in Las Vegas and worked for six more years before his final retirement in 2009. After this retirement, he moved to Elgin, Iowa.
Jim was united in marriage with Scherry Jane West on February 14, 2004 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Jim came out of “retirement” to do the best job he ever held, playing Santa Claus. He did this for many years for local businesses, malls, and private parties. This was Jim’s favorite job and it brought a lot of joy to his heart! He saved every childs “Letter to Santa” and still has them to this day!
Jim was a member of the Elgin American Legion Post #352 in Elgin, Iowa. He enjoyed boating, waterskiing, camping, hunting, building things, and tinkering around his home. He could Jimmy rig anything and get it to work. He also enjoyed watching television, especially NASCAR, MSNBC, History, and Discovery.
Jim is survived by his wife, Scherry, of Elgin; children, Richard (Mindy) Stuart, Rachel (Nate) Guyman, Bryan Stuart, Joshua Poulin, and Lance (Andrea) Ross; numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren; his half-sister, Janice McCullough; and his half-brother, Ray (Sherri) Cole.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and JoAnn Cole; his daughter Brenda Rowsell; and many Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Coworkers, and friends.
A Celebration of Jim’s Life will be held in Salt Lake City, Utah at a later date.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elgin, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.