James Stewart

My heart is heavy as I share that the love of my life, James Richard Stewart, passed away on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, in Brigham City, Utah. Born on June 22, 1943, to Samuel Starling Stewart and Edith Janice Hawkins. James lived a life defined by service, curiosity, and a warmth that drew everyone toward him.

James was a man of deep intellect and even deeper character. He answered the call to serve his country in 1963, joining the Army at age 21 and serving in Vietnam for nearly a decade. Following his military service, he attended the University of Arkansas—where he began a lifelong, unwavering devotion to Razorback football—before transitioning to a distinguished career as a military analyst at the Pentagon. When he wasn't cheering on his beloved Razorbacks, he was a dedicated fan of the San Francisco 49ers, rarely missing a chance to watch them play.

On December 22, 2005, James and I, Mary Jean Lucht Stewart, were married in Caliente, Nevada, beginning a chapter of my life I will forever cherish. James had a way of making the world feel smaller and friendlier; to him, there was no such thing as a stranger, only a friend he hadn’t talked to yet. He found joy in the simple rhythms of life: the smooth notes of a jazz record, a good book, and the quiet beauty of the mountains. Our walks were never fast, because James was always bending over to inspect a stone. He loved picking up rocks, always joking that he was just one find away from hitting the motherlode. In truth, having him by my side was the real motherlode.

He is survived by me, his wife: Jean; his stepchildren: Kelly (Nick) Sorensen and John Lucht; and our four beloved grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister.

Our family wishes to extend our deepest gratitude to the staff at Monument Health. They were truly the best, providing James with such compassionate care in his final days. James was well-loved by everyone who knew him, and the world feels a little quieter without his voice. He was my everything, and we will all miss him more than words can say.

Cremation entrusted to Aaron’s Mortuary of Brigham City. No formal services will be held.