In Memory of Uncle Jack

As many of you know, Uncle Jack passed away last week. Uncle Jack passed away on Wednesday, September 9, 2009 in Huntsville, Alabama after a very long and strong fight with colon cancer with Aunt Jill and his family by his side. He was not only such an amazing uncle but husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Uncle Jack always had a way of making you feel special. I am so proud and glad to call him my uncle and will always think of all the great memories of him. His battle with colon cancer is a story that needs to be told and will hopefully give HOPE to others that have to face cancer. He never let it get in his way of living life. My favorite saying he told me was "I have no doubt that I will die from this, but it won't today."

After I got the call about Uncle Jack's passing I realized it was 9-9-09, so I did some research to see the meaning of that day. It actually was a very ironic day for his passing. Here is the significance of the day: It is very important as it points to a moment of finality and completion, as well as the birth of a new era. While this sounds ominous, keep in mind that these kinds of shifts are fluid and gradual. Usually, we don’t realize the true extent until months, if not years, after the date. All the positive attributes of the 9: compassion, caring, self-sacrifice, love, wisdom and sophistication will all play key roles on and around this date. Keep in mind that this date affects us on a universal level where even a tiny increase can have a huge impact on mankind and its future. But the positive side will have a greater and more immediate impact, which is fortunate: all the positive attributes of the number 9 give life, extend life, beautify life, improve life and strengthen life! (http://www.tarot.com/blog/?p=491) The things that describe nine, also describe who Uncle Jack was...

I have so many great memories with Uncle Jack. He actually has taught me a lot of things and got me to do a lot of things I probably would never done. Almost every year, I would go visit Aunt Jill and Uncle Jack for a weekend. Uncle Jack loved his motorcycles, and as you all know they scare me though somehow Uncle Jack was able to get me on one (only once). For our bike ride, he and his friend went all out. They got out the chaps, jackets, and bandadas for Rebecca and I. It was very entertaining, if only I had pictures.

Another love Uncle Jack had was his boat. They had such a nice boat and he loved riding around and taking people out on it. He taught me how to water ski in a day! Now, I may not be any good but he taught me how to get the basics down. It was a blast. Russ and Uncle Jack actually had a lot of the same interest, one being boating. Uncle Jack trusted Russ with the boat so one summer, Russ was his "First Mate." He was helping put the boat back on the trailer and Russ was not used to such a powerful boat and pushed on the gas too much and the boat flew over the trailer knocked Uncle Jack off. He got up and just laughed, even though he had a busted knee. This was when Russ and I were engaged and he still gave me the thumbs up to marry him :)

Uncle Jack was also in the field of logistics so we shared that interest. He actually helped me choose my major and when I was in school shared all kinds of information on the field. I had to write a paper on a professional in the field and I choose him! He also had a huge interest in firearms/guns so when Russ and I went to visit Uncle Jack and Aunt Jill, he took Russ to a friends place to let him shoot all the guns while Aunt Jill and I shopped!

I could write on and on about all the wonderful memories of my uncle. He truly will be missed and the months to come will be hard but at least I have all of these wonderful memories to remember him by. Here are some pictures in memory of Uncle Jack.

Aunt Jill and Uncle Jack's Wedding (October 12, 1997)


My High School Graduation with Uncle Jack and Aunt Jill (May 2003)

Dad, Me, Mom, Aunt Jill, and Uncle Jack at UT Football Game (September 2003)

Kara's High School Graduation with Uncle Jack and Aunt Jill (May 2008)

Uncle Jack's Obituary

It is with regret we announce the death of Larry ‘Jack’ Stewart, age 53, of Huntsville. Jack passed away Wednesday after a courageous battle with colon cancer.

Jack loved his family and friends and he was loved by all who knew him. He was a compassionate and generous man who made the lives of those around him better. His selfless courage in facing his health issues was an inspiration to everyone.

Jack was born in Newport,Tennessee to his parents, Homer Stewart and Betty Jo Messer Russell. He graduated from Parrottsville High School in Newport in 1973. In 1974, he joined the U.S. Army serving three years at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama assigned to the 291st MP CO. For the past 31 years, Jack has worked as a Foreign Materiel Specialist for the Defense Intelligence Agency/Missile and Space Intelligence Center (DIA/MSIC) at Redstone Arsenal, Alabama. His job allowed him to travel to many interesting and unusual places. Jack enjoyed spending time with his granddaughter, Kaylee. He had a passion for outdoors either riding motorcycles, boating, hobby farming, or spending time with friends and family. Jack was a member of the Owens Cross Roads Church of Christ.

Survivors include his wife of 11 years, Jill Gray Stewart; daughters, Farrah Hudson of Huntsville and Jennifer Hawkins and husband Kevin of Gurley; granddaughter, Kaylee Hawkins; sisters, Clara Patterson of Dandridge, Tennessee and Mary Ann Stewart of Newport, Tennessee; brother, Joe Stewart of Trinity, Alabama; nephew, Teddy Patterson of Dandridge, Tennessee and nieces, Tiffany Patterson of Knoxville, Tennessee, Miranda Stewart of Newport, Tennessee, Ashley and Madison Stewart of Moulton, Alabama and a host of many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father Homer Stewart.

Visitation will be from 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Higgins Funeral Home in Fayetteville, Tennessee. The funeral service will be at 3 p.m. Friday at Higgins Funeral Home. Burial will be in Riverview Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the Russel Hill Cancer Foundation, c/o Clearview Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 18428, Huntsville, Alabama 35804 or to Hospice Family Care, 3304 Westmill Drive, Huntsville, Alabama 35805; 256-650-1212.