The name ‘Stewart’ is one famous in the world of clocks and timepieces.
And a family-owned business, which was founded and flourished in the city of Armagh, is proud of the name, proud of its success.
Today, (Thursday), the passing of James Henry (Jim) Stewart has caused much sadness in the city and far beyond.
For many years, Mr Stewart has served in official company roles as director and secretary.
The much-loved and hugely respected businessman, whose previously operated out of ‘Stewart Hill’, in the Barrack Hill area of the city, was a fountain of knowledge in his field.
James Stewart and Sons Clocks has involved several generations of the Stewart family, who have been left devastated by today’s sad news.
Mr Stewart passed away at his home at Drumbeemore Road, Armagh.
He was 86 years of age.
The family business has been to the forefront in the field of horology for many, many years.
It is, perhaps, most famed for its ‘Grandfather’ and ‘Grandmother’ Clocks, Vienna Wall Clocks and Bracket Clocks, which are very much in demand by collectors and often sell at auction and through antiques dealers for great sums.
The dedicated following is an indication of the sheer skill and painstaking detail, the excellence and elegance, lovingly infused in each individual piece.
Indeed, the company’s own online presence boasts of “creating the highest quality longcase clocks”, with an assurance of “combining the finest materials with our expertise and craftsmanship”.
James Stewart and Sons prides itself on creating “fine clocks of distinction”, adding by way of explanation: “These clocks are made from the finest materials available in the world today. There are no cheap substitutes used in their manufacture, but only the best in timber, veneer and brassware, in keeping with the highest standard of skilled craftsmanship required to produce such pieces.”
And their own website adds: “Our workmanship stands comparison with many of the great masters of the past. Care has been taken to ensure that it is not just a beautiful piece which you will enjoy, but will be an heirloom for your family for many generations to come.”
Mr Stewart was the epitome of a gentleman, the consummate professional, the master of his craft.
He is survived by his dearly loved wife, Myrtle, and according to a death notice, is the “much loved father of Jocelyn (Richard), William (Irene), James (Rosie), Richard (Siobhan) and Jonathan (Kathleen), a devoted grandfather and great-grandfather and a dear brother”.
Mr Stewart’s funeral will take place in St Patrick’s Church of Ireland Cathedral in Armagh on Monday, July 15, at 2pm, to be followed by a private family committal.
The family home, like the committal, is also strictly private, while donations, in lieu of flowers, are being accepted for Marie Curie, c/o Jackson Stoops & Sons, Funeral Directors, 44 Moy Road, Armagh, BT61 8DL or online at jstoops.co.uk.
To the entire family circle, we offers our deepest sympathies at this time.
