James A. Stewart

1936 - 2023

James A. Stewart
September 15, 1936 - March 23, 2023
Bellingham, Washington - James A. Stewart, MD of Bellingham, Washington, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2023. He was preceded in death by the love of his life, Evelyn (Jeanette) Rich, his mother Lora (Hansen) Stewart, and his father John Henry Stewart of Omaha, Nebraska. In the 35 years that Jim and Jeanette were married they traveled the world by air and sometimes in a sailboat that Jim captained. Jim loved Jeanette more than he thought he could ever love anyone.
In Jim's 86 years he travelled to 17 countries. The most notable adventure was in 1969 when he traveled to U.S.S.R. on a Russian ship from Japan, and then by Trans-Siberian railroad to Moscow. This trip was approved by the U.S.S.R. but denied by the U.S. Department of State. Jim went anyway.
Jim had a profound interest in understanding how and why people do what they do, and he loved getting to know people. When you talked with Jim you expected to be engaged in a deep and meaningful conversation. This is true whether it was with his friends, his wonderful caregivers from Home Instead, or the wait staff at Anthony's restaurant where he was a frequent visitor.
Jim attended Hastings College and obtaining a bachelor's degree in history. He attended University of Omaha obtaining a degree in pre-med studies, then University of Edinburgh where he received a degree in Chemistry and Greek studies. He attended University of Nebraska for his graduate degree in American and European history, then received his degree in Medicine. Education gave Jim the wings to live a bold life personally and professionally, and he shared his passion for education with everyone he met.
In 1965 Dr. Stewart joined the Navy, saving countless lives during his military career as a flight surgeon and flair hop. He provided care to nearby villagers in desperate need of medical and dental services and is where he formed a strong bond with the Marines he accompanied "under the wire". In 1969 the Vietnam government awarded Dr. Stewart the highest award available to a non-Vietnamese soldier to honor his bravery, cooperation and humanitarian service to the people of Vietnam. He entered the Naval Reserves in 1969 and on his 60th birthday retired from the Medical Corp, U.S. Naval Reserve.
Excited to be near the ocean and have opportunities to sail, he moved to the Pacific Northwest and began his career in psychiatry and psychoanalysis, opening his practice in Bellingham in June 1974 and studying at the University of Washington Medical School and the Seattle Institute for Psychoanalysis.
He served on the faculty at the University of Washington Medical School, and at Green College at Oxford University. He served as Chairman of the Psychiatric Committee at St. Luke and St. Joseph hospitals, Chairman of a committee of the Washington State Psychiatric Association, and a psychiatric representative of the Washington State Medical Association of Mental Health.
Dr. Stewart took great pride knowing that he served many individuals and families in Whatcom County. Jim entered retirement on his 82nd birthday but continued to analyze those he met.
He will be interred with honor, respect, and celebration at Arlington National Cemetery on August 15, 2023.
Jim is survived by his cousin, Theodore Hansen and his wife, Marge. He leaves behind so many beloved friends here and abroad, as well as his stepchildren Brian, Gordon, Elaine, Diana as well as numerous step grandchildren.