James Wayne Stewart

James “Wayne” Stewart, 87 passed away unexpectedly Thursday, August 4, 2022, at Avita Galion Hospital.

Wayne was born in Primrose, Missouri on August 10, 1934, to the late James Jackson Stewart and Ruth Mae (Eggers) Stewart.

Wayne attended Bismarck High School in Bismark MO until his junior year. He left for the big city of St. Louis where he began working at General Motors. He was drafted into the army in 1957, where he received his GED. Wayne was honorably discharged from the army in 1959 with a rank of SP-4. In 1969 his travels took him to Marion, Ohio where he continued working in the automotive industry. He attended the University of Toledo and received a teaching certificate. In 1977 he became an auto body instructor at Tri-Rivers Career Center until his retirement. Throughout his teaching career, Wayne ran Stewart’s Body Shop. He spent many enjoyable hours in his garage doing what he loved.

Wayne attended Emanuel Baptist Church in Marion, Ohio. He loved his church family and was very proud to be a trustee.

Wayne married Wanda Hudson on May 29, 1975. He not only a gained a wife, but a five-year-old daughter. He and Wanda spent 47 years together raising their family. Wayne will be remembered for his love of cars and tinkering in his garage. He enjoyed gardening and canning. He and Wanda enjoyed camping and fishing at Lake Erie. An avid sports fan, James enjoyed watching baseball, football and wrestling with his son. Wayne was very proud of his family. He loved nothing more than spending time with his children playing cards, cornhole, and bocchi ball.

Wayne is survived by his wife, Wanda (Hudson) Stewart; Son, Greg Stewart; daughters Julie (Dan) Eldridge and Monica (Kevin) Light; Grandchildren, Cody Christman, Alex (Mikayla) Christman, Shaylea Eldridge, Nicolette Eldridge, Nick Light, Noah Light, and Isabella Light; Great-grandchildren, Arik Christman and Madilynn Christman; Brother, Noel Stewart; Sisters, Sharon (Denver) Page, Bonnie (Phil) Preston, and Mary Yount.

In addition to his parents, Wayne was preceded in death by sister Joann Stewart; Sister-in -laws, Norma Stewart and Shirley Tice and brother-in-law; Gail Hawkins.

Services for Wayne will take place on Wednesday, August 10, 2022, at Edwards Funeral Service in Marion, Ohio where family will receive friends at 11 AM. The funeral will begin at 12:00 PM. Burial will follow at Larue Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made payable to Emanuel Baptist Church and will be accepted through the funeral home.