Herman Miller Stewart

Herman Miller Stewart, aka Jim, was 99 years of age, when he passed away peacefully in his sleep on December 8th, 2025, in Clackamas, Oregon.

Herman had been planning to make it to his 100th birthday in April 2026, but God called him to his Heavenly Home five months before that Big Birthday!

Herman was one of eleven children born to Alonzo Claude and Effie Ellen Stewart of Oldham County, Kentucky. Herman was the third to the youngest of the eleven children and was driving a tractor on the farm at the age of five years old. At the age of nine Herman used to help his Uncle take moonshine made at his Uncle’s still, into town and sell it. Herman enlisted in the Navy in March of 1944 at the age of 17; he had to have his Dad sign for him. Herman served as a Gunner, GM3c, aboard the USS St. Patrick, PC563. During World War II Herman’s Patrol Craft was acknowledged for having sunk One Submarine, shot one Bomber down and two Fighter Planes.

Herman was in the Philippines when General MacArthur went ashore, and the Philippines became a liberated country. Herman recounts the story that when General MacArthur first stepped off the Landing Craft, he sunk in the water up to his armpits. Since everything was being filmed they got back on board the Landing Craft and found a spot near shore that wasn’t as deep as the first attempt. General MacArthur then jumped off the Landing Craft and walked ashore.

For 3 weeks prior to his death he was cared for by a wonderful family at their Lilac Adult Care Home in Clackamas. They had family living in the Philippines at the time their country was liberated. They called Herman a Hero for being a part of the US Military that helped liberate their country.

Herman, who was known as ‘Stew” on board ship, was the only non-drinker among the crew. He was selected to be the Captain’s designated driver whenever the Captain left the ship. Herman was also known as one of the top sharp- shooters with a rifle on board ship. During practice shooting Herman was known to hit every target that was thrown in the Ocean.

While Herman was on Liberty in Portland, Oregon he met Betty Ruth Sorrell on a street corner. It was during their three months of dating that Betty asked Herman if she could call him Jimmy; that is how his name was changed to Jimmy. Three months after meeting they were married. After Herman was discharged from the Navy he officially moved from Kentucky to Portland, Oregon.

Herman and Betty were married for 73 years and had 6 children, 12 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandkids. Herman was a “Superhero” to all of his family and always gave 110% to every family situation. Herman worked for the Portland Traction Co and TriMet for 40 years after moving to Oregon.

Herman was an avid hunter and fisherman. During the salmon runs you could find him out on his boat “Daddy’s Toy” fishing for the big one. He also enjoyed gardening and took care of 3 large gardens. Herman was always helping his neighbors with anything they needed.

Herman was preceded in death by his wife, Betty and much-loved grandson and son-in-law: Timothy Palmer and Ron Hodges. He is survived by his children, Mary Hodges, John Stewart (Kathleen), Patricia Stewart, Linda Palmer (Michael), Steve Stewart and Susan Stewart Broqvist. The family thanks treasured friends and neighbors, Sonny and Sally Newsom.

A Celebration of Life and Military Honors will be 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at Stehn Family Chapels Milwaukie Tribute Center, Milwaukie, Oregon. Private interment will be held at Willamette National Cemetery, Portland, Oregon.