James Henry Steuart

James Henry Steuart, 96, of Schenectady, passed away peacefully Monday, April 18, 2016, at his home, surrounded by family. He left this life the same way he lived it, with courage, dignity, and grace. James was born November 12, 1919, in Schenectady, NY, the son of the late James H. and Amy D. (Scott) Steuart. He was a graduate of Draper High School. James proudly served his country in the United States Army during World War II, as a Private First Class with the 91st Infantry Division. He was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in combat from September 1944 to May 1945 in the Italian Campaign. He proved himself an excellent and dependable soldier, refusing evacuation after being wounded because his platoon had suffered many casualties and needed all the men they had. Upon returning home, James married his childhood sweetheart and best friend, Dorothy York Knierim. Jim and Dot remained best friends and loyal partners for 59 years, until Dorothy's death in 2005. James was employed for 40 years at the General Electric Company in Schenectady, where he was as an expert welder and welding instructor, retiring in 1980. He was also a lifelong New York Yankees fan and avid hunter and fisherman, and enjoyed spending much of his retirement in the woods and on the lakes and ponds of the Adirondacks. James was predeceased by his older brother, dear friend, and fellow World War II Veteran, George Steuart. James is survived by his two beloved children, son James Steuart and his wife Deborah, and daughter Linda and her husband Dr. Paul Ericson, as well as two brothers, Bernard Steuart and Robert Patterson. Also surviving are his four grandchildren, Jason Steuart, Kirsten Ericson and her husband Jason Gleasman, Leif Ericson, and Karin Ericson and her husband Graham Herschel; and four great grandchildren, Gunnar Gleasman, Axel Gleasman, and Thor Gleasman, and Liv Herschel. A private funeral service and burial will be conducted at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours. Those wishing to make a donation in James's memory, please consider Community Hospice 445 New Karner Road Albany, NY 12205 or the Great Sacandaga Lake Fisheries Federation (GSLFF) , P.O. Box 991 Northville, NY 12134. Arrangements have been entrusted to Bond Funeral Home.