Jimmy Stewart Family Tree: The Story Behind the American Everyman

James Maitland "Jimmy" Stewart (1908–1997), born 20 May 1908 in Indiana, Pennsylvania, USA, and died 2 July 1997 in Beverly Hills, was Hollywood's most-beloved everyman — 80+ films: Mr. Smith Goes to Washington (1939), The Philadelphia Story (1940 — Academy Award Best Actor), It's a Wonderful Life (1946), Rear Window (1954), The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance (1962), Vertigo (1958); highest-decorated actor in US military history (Brigadier General USAF Reserve); Honorary Academy Award (1985).

The Family's Roots: A Pennsylvania Presbyterian Family

Father ran a hardware store; family was Scottish-Irish Presbyterian.

His Parents

Father: Alexander Maitland Stewart (1872–1961) — Indiana, PA hardware store owner (J.M. Stewart & Co.).

Mother: Elizabeth Ruth Jackson Stewart (1875–1953) — pianist.

His Sisters

Mary Wilson Stewart (1912–1977); Virginia Kelly Stewart Tracy (1914–2008).

His Wife

Gloria Hatrick McLean (m. 9 August 1949, until her death 16 February 1994) — model.

Their Twin Daughters

Judy Stewart Merrill, b. 7 May 1951 — daughter.

Kelly Stewart Harcourt, b. 7 May 1951 — daughter.

His Adopted Sons (Gloria's from first marriage)

Michael McLean (1946–1969) — killed in Vietnam War.

Ronald McLean, b. 1947.

The Stewart Family Tree at a Glance

Father: Alexander Maitland Stewart (1872–1961).

Mother: Elizabeth Ruth Jackson Stewart (1875–1953).

Sisters: Mary (1912–1977); Virginia (1914–2008).

Wife: Gloria Hatrick McLean (m. 9 August 1949; d. 16 February 1994).

Twin Daughters: Judy and Kelly Stewart (b. 7 May 1951).

Adopted Sons: Michael McLean (1946–1969, KIA Vietnam); Ronald McLean (b. 1947).

Jimmy Stewart:

  • Born 20 May 1908, Indiana, PA
  • Princeton University (Architecture) 1932
  • Broadway 1932-35; MGM contract 1935
  • Academy Award Best Actor: 1941 (The Philadelphia Story)
  • WWII US Army Air Forces: 1941-1945, flew 20+ combat missions; Colonel by end of war
  • Brigadier General USAF Reserve: 1959 — highest-ranking film actor in US military
  • Honorary Academy Award: 1985; Presidential Medal of Freedom: 1985
  • Died: 2 July 1997, Beverly Hills — pulmonary embolism at 89

What the Stewart Family Story Teaches Us

A hardware-store-owner father. A pianist mother. Two sisters. A wife of 45 years. Twin daughters. Two adopted sons (one killed in Vietnam). A career that combined Best Actor Oscar with becoming a WWII combat pilot and Brigadier General.

For every family — large or small, famous or otherwise — the Jimmy Stewart story carries the same lesson. Some careers combine Hollywood stardom with a real Air Force generalship.

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