James A Stewart

James Austin Stewart, 78, of Michigan Center, Michigan, passed away peacefully on May 21, 2026, with his family by his side. His death was caused by complications related to Agent Orange exposure.

James was born on June 27, 1947, in Detroit, Michigan, to Marion Hatcher Stewart and James Russell Stewart.

As a boy he delivered newspapers and when he was old enough, he delivered milk with his father.

He attended Jackson High School before joining the United States Army in 1965. While serving, he earned his GED, receiving it three times because the Army misplaced the first two diplomas. In 2011, he attended Jackson Community College and took coursework in computer programming.

James worked for various telephone companies for 30 years as ownership changed through a series of acquisitions. He often joked that he was & “bought and sold with the furniture”; He had previously declined offers for a management positions. He retired from Verizon in 2009 as a Telephone Installer/Repairman.

He proudly served his country in the United States Army and was honorably discharged with the rank of Staff Sergeant. During the Vietnam War, he was held beyond his expected service period because his skills as a helicopter gunner were needed during the Tet Offensive. While serving as a gunner, he was shot in the head, but his helmet saved his life. He often remarked that he never received a Purple Heart because he & “never got a scratch on him”; He remained deeply proud of his military service throughout his life. He served for a total of nine years, from 1965 to 1968, 1971 to 1974, and 1974 to 1978.

His military honors included the National Defense Service Medal, Marksman Badge for the M-14 Rifle, Vietnam Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, and the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device.

James was married to Theresa Romelhart Stewart for nearly 41 years, passing away just four days before their 41st wedding anniversary. Together, they shared 43 wonderful years.

He enjoyed reading, watching television, and traveling. Alongside his wife, he visited England, Scotland, Italy, France, and Germany, as well every state in the United States, except Idaho. He especially enjoyed visiting every Hard Rock Café he could find and the Veterans Store in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and amassed an extensive collection of T-shirts from both. His favorite destination was New Orleans.

James is survived by his sons, James (Amy) Stewart II and Jason (Tracy) Stewart Abshire; his stepson, Ronald (Jaenn) Wheeler; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; his sisters, Jean Hart and Marge (Ed) Hauck; several nephews: his aunts, Marge (Al) Janowski and Joyce (Jo) (Charles) Hatcher; and several cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion Hatcher Stewart and James Russell Stewart; his brother, Melvin & “Bo”; Stewart; his sister, Sandra (Rick) Lester; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 28, 2026, at McCourtie Park in Somerset Center, Michigan, at 12:30pm where military honors will be conducted. A potluck will follow in the pavilion. A small burial service will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Battle Creek, Michigan on June 29th .

James will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his pride in serving his country, his sense of humor, and the many lives he touched throughout his journey.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Vietnam Veterans of America. VVA Chapter #109, PO Box 1704 Jackson, MI. 49204.

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