James Kenneth Stewart, 70, of Kenvir, departed this life on Tuesday, May 13, 2025, at the Greg and Noreen Wells Hospice Care Center in Hazard. He was born December 30, 1954 in Ohio, but had lived here all of his life. James was a coal miner for Eastover Mining Company at Brookside and a veteran of the U.S. Army. He loved fishing, camping and ginsenging.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Patricia Ann Artressia Stewart and George A. Stewart; a grandchild, Briana Stewart; three brothers, Robert Wayne Stewart, Charles Green Artressia and Darrell Lee Stewart; his father-in-law, William Wethington; his mother-in-law, Ellie Mae Wethington; and his best friend, Lonnie "Cooch" King.

Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Betty Jane Wethington Stewart, Kenvir; five children, Elizabeth Lewis and husband, Gary; Susan Price and husband, David; Debra Stewart and companion, Gene Short; Jamie Stewart and close friend, Derrick Mitchell; Kathy Stewart and husband, Michael Collins; three sisters, including Esther Bennett Noe and husband, Sammy; Nancy Nesbit and husband, Darry; and three brothers, George Daniel "Danny" Stewart and companion, Doug; Jeff Stewart and wife, Rose; and Larry Stewart and wife, Rose. Also surviving are 17 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, other family and friends.

To honor his wishes, the family has chosen cremation.

Evarts Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of James Kenneth Stewart.