James Allen Harvey (Jim) was born Joseph Railey Stewart on December 18, 1935, in Miami, Florida to Joseph Everette Jr. and Mary Railey Stewart. He spent his early years in Clarksville GA, where his father was mayor. As he approached teenhood, the family relocated to Southern CA where he graduated from Van Nuys high school and Los Angeles Valley Jr.College. He served in the US Air Force in communication operations. He also worked as a civilian air craft worker.
In 1966, he relocated to Little Rock, AR with his daughter Kathleen, and became known as James Allen Harvey. In May of 1969, he married Ruth Ann Hagerty, his beloved wife of 55 1/2 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Daniel Stewart, and sister Colleen Lilly Coons, his in-laws, James and Ruth E. Hagerty, and his brothers-in-law Ronald and Terry Hagerty. Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife; daughter Kathleen Stewart Anderson (David) of San Francisco, CA; sons, Laren Harvey, and Michael Ghidotti (Karen) of Conway, AR; his foster son Ricky Flores of Little Rock, AR; his brothers Joseph E. Stewart Ill of Lake Elsinore, CA and Jess Stewart (Linette) of Elk Horn, WI; brothers-in-law Mike Hagerty (Kim) of NLR, Tony Hagerty (Tracy) of Haskell AR; his loving grandchildren, Patrick Anderson of Boston, MA, Deanna Anderson of Los Angeles, CA, Kendra Burnett (plus three great grandkids) of Boise ID, Maelikki Baste (Jeremy) of Little Rock, AR, Mikayla Harvey of Little Rock, AR and Hannah Ghidotti of Savannah, GA.
His constant companions Bella - who was at his bedside til the very end - Chloe, Hazel Marie, and Izzy.
He left cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends scattered around the country.
While he was in California, he obtained his pilot's license and clocked over one-hundred hours of travel before he left CA.
He enjoyed reading anything he could get his hands on, including the Democrat Gazette (cover to cover).
He loved to travel with his beloved wife where they took part in over 40 cruises and visited exotic destinations around the world.
In the earlier years, the family "lived" on Lake Ouachita, tent camping, boating, exploring, etc.
He was very fond of all types of music, and for many years managed Discount Records, Peaches, Tape & Tote, and Soul City. He was a jack-of-all-trades, and worked as a handyman in Hillcrest and the Heights.
The family wishes to thank the caregivers of Briarwood Nursing and Rehabilitation, especially his favorite caregiver, Mikayla Harvey, and Hospice Home Care for the loving care they gave
Guestbook
Dear Kat and Family, Your father’s legacy, his warmth, wisdom, and spirit, lives on through you and all the lives he touched. May his memory bring you comfort, and may you find strength in the love and support of those around you. Much love, Breanna, Samuel, and Miles Matthews
Breanna planted a tree for James.
mikayla planted a tree for James.
Aunt Ruth, I love you very much. I will forever er cherish the memories that you and Uncle Jim helped me to make such a wonderful childhood. I will be there no matter what, for the service
Julie Poe sends their condolences.
Blessings to all the family in your time of grief! You'll see him again one day. Carolyn and Jerry Staley
Luke Thomas purchased flowers in honor of James.
Brenda and Linda planted a tree for James.