Mr. James "Jay" Robert Stewart Sr., 72, departed this life on May 8, 2021 after an extended illness.  He was born on October 30, 1948 in Winston-Salem, NC to Robert and Annie Loree Stewart.  James attended the local Winston-Salem schools and graduated from the former Atkins High School.  James realized at an early age that he loved being outside.  He loved working with his hands.  Working on and repairing his and his children's cars.  That love of being outside and working with his hands led to a 30-year career and retirement from the City of Winston-Salem: Recreation Department.  James took pride in his work and his uniforms.  Although he worked around dirt, grass, lime and such, he would have a fresh uniform and shine his work shoes every evening for the next morning.  Shining his shoes is the chore he did daily throughout his disability and having Dementia.  He never forgot how to shine his shoes.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Annie Loree Stewart; first wife, Gwendolyn A. Stewart and their son, El'Ricko Stewart; sister, Runett Stewart; niece, Pamela Robinson; and nephew, Michal Robinson.

James leaves to cherish many dear memories his loving and devoted wife and caregiver, Pearl Davis-Stewart; daughters and care helpers, Tamicko Richardson of Kernersville, NC and La'Trisha Stewart of Winston-Salem, NC; son, James Robert (Shavon) Stewart, Jr. of Burlington, NC; stepmother, Gwendolyn S. Stewart of Winston-Salem, NC; five grandchildren, L. Nichole (Fonte) Stewart, LaVonne Stewart, Ricco Stewart,  Rakim Galloway, and Ja'Nice Senn; six great-grandchildren, LaVonne Stewart, Jr., Journey Stewart, Landyn Cooke, Malik Garrison, Nadia Galloway, and Breaja Senn-Walker; two sisters, Magdalene Cuthrell and his care helper, Bobby Stewart both of Winston-Salem, NC; two brothers, Leroy (Enid) Stewart of Reston, VA and Rev. Coker (Jannie) Stewart of Pfafftown, NC; stepbrothers, Jason Hawkins and Daryl Sturgis both of Winston-Salem, NC; a special nephew, care helper, and personal barber, Eric Stewart; a special niece and care helper, Justina Garrett; brothers-in-law, his care helper- Harrison (Linda) Davis, Joseph Davis, and James Dixon; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 6:00pm Thursday, May 13, 2021 at Russell Funeral Home. Private services will be held Friday, May 14, 2021.  Interment will follow in Piedmont Memorial Gardens.