John H. Stewart Jr.

A photo of Jack with his 1950 Oldsmobile custom. Named "The Polynesian," Jack designed the car while he was stationed in California. In 1952, while on leave from the Air Force, Jack bought a stock Oldsmobile and began to look for a shop that could restyle his dream car. After visiting three different shops, Jack decided to let Valley Custom take care of the transformation. The build was completed in 1953. Upon returning from duty, Jack met his future wife Shirley A. Bobby on a blind date. Jack and Shirley married in 1956. Back in Canton, Jack used the Oldsmobile as regular transportation. The car even served has his wife's car until she became pregnant and couldn't fit behind the wheel.

In 2017 Jack was reunited with "The Polynesian" at a Gazebo dedication in North Canton. Photo courtesy of Jordan Gray.

John H. "Jack" Stewart Jr. (1929 - 2017) of Canton, Ohio.

Jack was born in Canton, Ohio in 1929. Jack attended Avondale Elementary School. He spent many summers in his youth working, learning and playing at the BADOJA family farm in Dalton, Ohio. He graduated from Lehman High School in 1947 where he was active in student government. He then attended Kent State University, graduating in 1951 with a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration.

Korean War

Jack served his country during the Korean War in the US Air Force. He enlisted as an Airman in the California Air National Guard in 1951 and completed his USAF training at the Moody Air Force Base, Valdosta, Georgia. He was assigned to active duty with the 146th Maintenance Squadron at George Air Force Base, Victorville, California. He rose from Private Airman to the rank of Corporal. Jack was honorably discharged from military service in 1953.

The Polynesian

While Jack was stationed in California he designed a 1950 Oldsmbobile custom named "The Polynesian." In 1952, while on leave from the Air Force, Jack bought a stock Oldsmobile and began to look for a shop that could restyle his dream car. After visiting three different shops, Jack decided to let Valley Custom take care of the transformation. The build was completed in 1953. Upon returning from duty, Jack met his future wife Shirley A. Bobby on a blind date. Jack and Shirley married in 1956. Back in Canton, Jack used the Oldsmobile as regular transportation. The car even served has his wife's car until she became pregnant and couldn't fit behind the wheel.

Stark Ceramics 

Jack followed in the footsteps of his father, JH Stewart, Sr. and worked at Stark Ceramics, Inc., a brick and ceramic tile manufacturing company in East Canton, Ohio for his entire lifetime. The Company was founded in 1909 by his grandfather Enos A. Stewart. Jack served in multiple capacities from VP to President /Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer and later Chairman of the Board.

International Ford Retractable Club

Jack was a founding member of the International Ford Retractable Club in 1971. The club was organized to promote the preservation and restoration of the 1957, 1958, and 1959 Ford Skyliner Retractable Hardtop, and Jack owned a jet black Skyliner himself.

Pilot

Jack was a passionate pilot and he earned his civilian pilot's license for operation of commercial aircraft at a young age.

1929 - 2017

Saturday, October 14, 2017 Jack passed away.

Jack Stewart's Cars

Jack Stewart's 1950 Oldsmobile - The Polynesian