Grays Harbor Spotlights

Looking back on 32 years serving Grays Harbor and the people that got us to where we are today- Jimmy Stewart

James (Jimmy to many) Stewart was born and raised in Aberdeen. His grandparents were among Aberdeen's first settlers. After graduating from Aberdeen High School, Class of 1933, Jim worked in mills, plants and the woods to put himself through Grays Harbor College, the University of Washington, then followed by the University of Washington School of Law.

He was a decorated U.S. Navy officer and ship captain in both World War II and the Korean War. Jim eventually made his way back home to start his law practice and a family. He served as Montesano School Board Chairman, a St. Joseph's Hospital board member, Grays Harbor Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, and Troop 16 Boy Scout leader. Jim practiced law in Montesano from 1945 into the next century and had interests in the Cedar shake and shingle business and Posey Manufacturing Co. Jim grew and harvested timber and Christmas trees on the family tree farm.

Jim was one of the original Foundation Board members that helped grow and nurture our success. We are lucky enough now to have his son, Bill continue in the family legacy of giving back to Grays Harbor. Bill said his dad would often say that he wanted to give back to the Community from which any success in his life grew.

He added: "In its thirty-two years of overwhelmingly successful philanthropy, his words and hope for the Grays Harbor Community Foundation have proven true."

Long lasting success starts from having the right people, in place in the beginning to bring a vision to life. We are grateful to both Jimmy and Bill for helping make Grays Harbor Community Foundation one of the top community foundations in the region.

For more information about the Foundation, contact Executive Director, Eric Potts, at eric@gh-cf.org.