English/Nat
Jimmy Stewart's memorial was like his life... surrounded by the friends who loved him and celebrated for the contributions he made.
Speakers at his ceremony said although Stewart was a great star, his friends remembered him as a warm and caring human being.
Hollywood came out to remember one of its greats on Monday when co-stars and friends came to Jimmy Stewart's memorial to honour him for his films and his philanthropy.
The ceremony was held in the same church where Stewart sang in the choir.
Family members said that Stewart never really recovered from the death of his wife, Gloria, three years ago.
Stewart's daughter, Kelly Harcourt, told the 350 mourners that her father withdrew after his wife died but he was always comforted by the love and support from his friends.
The Air Force honoured him for his service in World War II.
Stewart went from making thousands of dollars a week as a film star to 21 dollars a month in the Air Corps.
Stewart rose to the rank of a brigadier general while in the Air Force and received the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Nancy Reagan came to remember Stewart as a friend and frequent contributor to the Republican party.
Film star June Allyson came to remember her co-star from the Glenn Miller Story.
Another film great, Bob Hope, was also on hand to honour a friend.
But celebrities weren't the only ones to attend Stewart's memorial.
Fans of all ages stood outside as a testament to the eternal character of Stewart's films.
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Yeah, I think Jimmy Stewart should still, a lot of people should still watch his movies. They were really good. Not as action packed as these, but, you know, still good."
SUPER CAPTION: Jimmy Stewart fan
SOUNDBITE: (English)
"Definitely a great human being. He was a wonderful actor, a kind person - I thought he was great. Everything he did."
SUPER CAPTION: Jimmy Stewart Fan
Sprays of white roses and gladiolas decorated the altar of the church while the organ quietly played hymns while at the end of the memorial ceremony, an organ played "Auld Lang Syne," the song that ended Stewart's favourite movie "It's a Wonderful Life."