James "Jimmy" Maitland Stewart

 James "Jimmy" Maitland Stewart (May 20, 1908 – July 2, 1997)

Over the course of his career, he starred in many films widely considered classics. He was known for portraying the average American Middle Class man, with everyday life struggles. Stewart was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning one in competition and receiving one Lifetime Achievement award. Stewart was named the third greatest male screen legend in cinema history by the American Film Institute. He also had a noted military career and was a World War II and Vietnam War veteran, who rose to the rank of Brigadier General in the United States Air Force Reserve. When he won the Best Actor Oscar in 1940 for his role in "The Philadelphia Story," he sent it to his father saying, "It belongs to us both." His dad, who owned a hardware store, kept it on a shelf for 25 years where it could be viewed by the customers. Some of his other notable films include Mr. Smith goes to Washington, Rear Window, Vertigo, It's a Wonderful Life, The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, and Made for Each Other, among others. Jimmy Stewart died from heart failure at age 89, and is buried at Forest Lawn-Glendale. His wife Gloria had died 3 years before, and his final words to his family were "I'm going to be with Gloria now!"