James Ralph Stewart was born to James Roosevelt and Annie Virginia on May 21, 1950 in Washington DC. He was the eldest of four children. James was a Washingtonian to his core, attending Walker Jones Elementary School, Terrell Junior High School and graduating from Dunbar High School all located in NW DC. After school, he was employed at the Walter Reed Medical Center among other trade jobs. He was an enthusiastic employee and worked diligently to help provide for his parents and siblings.

In 1970, James met Zelliah Bernice Richardson at a party he was invited to by his dear school friend Daniel "Mickey D" McDonald. Their attraction was immediate and everlasting. Their courtship would take place in and around the DC area, with a desire to see other states and countries. On his first trip to New York City, James spread his arms wide, threw his head back and exclaimed "I'm here New York!". He and Bernice were married five years later in DC.

An inseparable pair, they embarked on numerous cruises throughout the Caribbean and Europe. They loved to visit different parts of the world and taste a variety of cuisines; which made for a perfect match as James loved to eat and, Bernice loves to cook! Although they never had children of their own James and Bernice doted on their many nieces and nephews. They would host parties for parents, siblings, friends and strangers on many occasions.

James was to everyone he met, a man of decency, compassion, honor and love. He would go above and beyond, to help anyone he could, with whatever he had to offer. A true gentleman, he leaves to cherish his memory: Wife, Zelliah; Mother, Annie; Sister, Gloria; Sister, Deborah and Brother Michael.