James Stewart was born in Findley, Ohio. He served three years in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving in World War II. He moved to Akron in 1963 from Yellow Springs, Ohio. He graduated (cum laude) from the College of Embalming, University of Cincinnati. He has been a licensed funeral director and embalmer for 56 years. He is active in community/church affairs: past President of the Summit County Funeral Directors Association, member of the National Funeral Directors Association, member of the Summit County Funeral Directors Association, past member of the Akron Urban League Board, past Treasurer of the Wesley Temple AME Zion Church, past Trustee of the Wesley Temple AME Zion Church, past member of the NAACP board, past member of the Private Industry Council’s Motivational Task Force, NAACP Life Member, member of the Pride of Rubbertown Elks #1594, life member of the American Legion, John Fulton Post #272, past mentor of the Urban Ounce of Prevention, member of the United Way of Summit County, Alex De Tocqueville and Dorothy O. Jackson Societies, honorary chair of the Paul Collins Art Exhibition (A Benefit for the Akron Urban League Capital Campaign). His Masonic affiliations include: member of Phoenix Lodge #112 F. & A. M., member of Bezaleel Consistory #15, member of the United Supreme Council Ancient and Accepted Scottish Rite of Freemasonry-Prince Hall Affiliation Northern Jurisdiction-33rd Degree, past Vice President of the Commanders of the Rite. His hobbies include: speed walking, swimming, nautilus weight machines, traveling, numismatics, antiques and Black Art. Jim has received many awards: outstanding restorative artist at the Cincinnati College of Embalming, numerous awards from the NAACP, the American Muslim Center of Akron award, 100 Black Men award, The Harold Stubbs Humanitarian Award to name a few of many awards. He is the father of five: Martha, Kelley, Rebecca, Preston and Elisabeth and grandfather of six.