James Lee Stewart, son of the late Daniel Stewart and Emma Pollard Cooper was born January 7, 1933 in Apex, NC. With caring family by his side, he entered into the presence of the Lord on Wednesday, October 7, 2009 after a courageous period of declining health. At an early age he became a resident of Winston-Salem, NC and attended the local public schools. He graduated with the Atkins High School class of 1952. James served in the US Army as a Sergeant in the Korean War, where he received various medals. He later attended Winston-Salem Teachers College after which he was employed at R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company for 33 years. He was a member of the Winston-Salem Sportsman's Club for a number of years and was also a member of Greater Cleveland Avenue Christian Church where he served faithfully as Treasurer for many years.

He enjoyed sports, fishing, gardening, and always shared his crops with others. Thinking each one of us needs to look after the people around us asking ourselves, "How can I help?"

He is survived by his loving wife, Clarene B. Stewart; his sons, Rodney (Alice) Bess of Troy, IL, James C. Stewart and Tony Marice Evans of Winston-Salem, NC, and W. Jamal Thomas of Arlington, VA; his daughters, Deborah Smith of Wyandanch, NY, Karen (Alfred) Williams and Artelia (Johnny) Johnson both of Winston-Salem, NC; bonus children, Michael (Melanie) Gilliam, Vance (Bobbi) Gilliam, Karen G. Davis of Winston-Salem, NC, Judie Gilliam of Orlando, FL and Constance (Phillip) Hayes of Atlanta, GA; sixteen grandchildren; twenty-seven great-grandchildren; one aunt, Blanche Harris of Apex, NC; many cousins, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 2pm Monday, October 12, 2009 from the Greater Cleveland Avenue Christian Church with Bishop Sheldon McCarter officiating. Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens. The family visitation will be held from 1pm until 2pm on Monday at the Church.