Auburn recently lost one of its most devoted fans. Head of a publicized tailgate and a season ticker holder for many years, Jimmy Stewart was an Auburn fanatic.
In 2007 Stewart's tailgate was featured on Comcast Sports South as one the top tailgates in the SEC. Stewart and a group of friends started the tailgate in the late 1980s, and it grew over time.
The tailgate, named "The Magnolia Tent Village," is on West Magnolia Avenue every Saturday for Auburn home games.
Stewart was elected mayor of the tailgate by 70 tailgate members in 2006.
He purchased a condominium at the Stadium Way Complex on West Magnolia. The condo was decorated with the message aiming to be all about Auburn. Pictures on the wall included signed footballs and pictures of former players like Bo Jackson and Pat Sullivan.
Stewart lived his life according to a simple motto: "Do things for others, it matters." Stewart shared his enthusiasm and passion for life in two books he penned before he passed.
"Stuff That Makes Life Wonderful" is about things in Jimmy's life that brought him great pleasure and joy like the football seats in Jordan Hare.
Stewart's family has had season tickets for many years. He rarely missed a game in Jordan Hare Stadium.
In "Stuff that Makes Life Wonderful," Stewart spoke about his walk to Jordan Hare Stadium to find his seats every Saturday.
"My favorite walk down Donahue into the stadium in the West stands, then up into Section 9, 10, 11," Stewart said. "I'm 11; the right-hand turn-the seated people and the walk up to Row 42. There's no better feeling than that for me."
"The Eight Minute Experience" was about Jimmy's fight from cruel setbacks in his final years.
Stewart's life passion was not just his devotion for Auburn athletics.
He was a Boy Scout Leader of Troop 87 in Roswell, Ga. Stewart was an Eagle Scout and a member of the Order of the Arrow. Under Stewart's direction, 27 young men achieved Eagle Scout rank.
Because of his life of service and mentoring, he received the Silver Beaver Award, the Whitney M. Young Service award given out by Scouting National Headquarters.
Vision loss forced Stewart to move from his home in Georgia to Auburn in 2011. Stewart finished his scouting service by helping a local Auburn Tiger cub troop.
"Jimmy was one of the nicest people I have ever known," Auburn Director of Athletics Jay Jacobs said. "He loved Auburn football with all his heart, and he was truly a class act. He will be dearly missed by the Auburn family and all who loved him."
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