James H Stewart Jr.

Mr. Stewart was born July 28th, 1935, in Poplarville, MS. He attended University of Southern Mississippi where he played football and received a BA degree in Business Administration. After college, he worked in Jackson in real estate development and a few years later started his own business as an Independent Oil & Gas Producer. He was also an Army Reservist. He married Joyce Greaves in 1964.

Jim was preceded in death by his wife Joyce, his parents James H Sr & Rubinette Stewart & his siblings Michael and Diana. He is survived by his daughters Sadie Syer (and husband Lee), Sarah Orecchia (Emilio), and Elizabeth Stewart, in addition, by his granddaughters, Ginny Sanders (Will), Katie Thomas, Victoria Privdaka (Chase) & Elizabeth & Amelia Orecchia as well as his great grandchildren Liam & Kate Sanders and Freddie Privdaka, along with many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jim and Joyce were married for almost 54 years and their love, respect and admiration for each other was uniquely special. When Joyce became ill, Jim was a daily visitor at her nursing home where she spent the last 4 years of her life. His kind support, companionship and effervescent attitude brought joy and comfort to her (& indeed to the other residents and staff as well).

Jim was a patient father who championed honesty, integrity and always doing the right thing. He helped others in many ways that he never talked about. One couldn’t help but admire his determination, grit and intelligence as well as his wonderful sense of humor. He was an entrepreneur who built his own business as a young man which flourished. He rose to challenges and enjoyed a satisfying career.

Jim was a true Christian who believed in kindness and being there for others and taught those values to his family. Jim and Joyce were members of The Chapel of the Cross in Madison and it always held a special place in their hearts.

Jim adored nature and spent a good bit of his life outdoors, spending summers as a boy at his grandparents in the countryside, and later enjoying fishing and spending time at his hunting camp near the Natchez Trace with friends, even though he admitted later in life that his favorite thing was simply being outside and observing and listening to nature from tree stands and on long solitary walks. He enjoyed taking his family on fishing day trips with picnics and spending time at the beach with them. He had dear friends of all ages who he treasured.

Jim enjoyed cooking and having people over to enjoy tasty food and laughter. Jim and Joyce's annual New Year's Day party was always packed. His stories, gentle ribbing and witty remarks were legendary and together he and Joyce were a fun duo who enjoyed many good times together.

Jim was blessed with a full and rewarding life with an adoring wife, family and friends and their love for him will live on; he will be greatly missed by many.

Visitation will be at the Chapel of the Cross, Madison, MS, Thursday August 25th, 2022 at 9:30am with the service to follow at 10:30am which will be conducted by The Rev. Ben G. Robertson.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's charities, The Chapel of the Cross or the charity of one's choice.