James Edward Steward

1938 - 2017

DURANT, OKLA. - James Edward Steward passed from this life on March 30, 2017 at Texoma Medical Center. Born July 5, 1938 in Rocky, Oklahoma, one of nine children born to Joseph and Ruth Slay Steward. His mother died when he was three and his father died in an oil field accident when James was fifteen. James is preceded in death by his parents, and siblings; Bobby, Joe, Nell, John, George, Wayne and Kenneth. Survivors include his wife of sixty (60) years Harriet Lemonds Steward whom he married on December 20, 1957 at the First United Methodist Church in Durant, sister Mollye Ruth Tate and husband William Thomas Tate III of Richardson, Texas, son James Edward Steward, Jr. of Denison, Texas, daughter Anne Steward Linsteadt and husband Chris Chapman Linsteadt of Richardson. Grandchildren Allison Linsteadt Prince and husband First Lieutenant Cameron Cooper Prince of Killeen, Texas and grandson Luke Steward Linsteadt and girlfriend Kelley Elizabeth Henry of New York City.
Growing up, James enjoyed a long successful career in athletics where he excelled in football, track and baseball. Football awards that were most notable included Oklahoma Coaches Association 1957 All State Football Team, All Southern Team, All Conference and District for 2 years. He was named State Back of the Week by the Oklahoma Times for performance during the Durant/McAlester game in October 1956, and Voted Most Valuable Player by his 1956 football teammates. He also received a full scholarship to attend the University of Oklahoma and played two years with the Sooners under Coach Bud Wilkinson. James played in the 1959 Orange Bowl and completed his football career at Southeastern Oklahoma State University in 1961. His highest track awards included placing second in discus at the 1957 state track meet as a member of the 1957 Durant High School State Championship Track Team. During his high school years, he also medaled in numerous track and field events including, shot put, relay and high jump. Additionally, he was an Oklahoma Junior Olympics Champion two years in both intermediate and senior divisions. He was twice inducted into the Durant High School Hall of Fame both as a track team member and as an individual football player.
Professionally, James was an Assistant Coach for football and track in Dalhart, Sherman and Denison, for six years. He taught Distributive Education at Denison High School for twenty-three years and had numerous students who competed and placed at the state level in the business areas. Beginning in 1972 he was involved in several phases of Real Estate including; building, purchasing, selling and operating residential rental properties. Following his teaching career, James built, owned and operated, an extremely successful business, A-Alpha Self Storage in Denison, Texas. He and his son, Jim Steward, have worked side by side for the last twenty (20) years' operating A-Alpha Storage.
James will be remembered as a kind, loving and generous husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend. His smile and humble disposition warmed the hearts of everyone he encountered. He was a devoted family man always supporting and encouraging each member to be their best. He loved spending time with his family, working on his business, snow skiing, golfing, and of course, desserts. If you ever asked James if he wanted something sweet to eat, the answer was always yes, especially if he could share it with his granddaughter. He believed family was life's greatest blessing and he emulated this belief in the way he lived. While James' achievements in life were numerous, he will always be remembered as a man of God who loved selflessly. James recent joy was found in participating and attending as many of his grandchildren's events as possible. His zest for life was contagious. He loved and lived every moment with positivity and faith that things would work for the best regardless of the circumstances. James was a source of inspiration to all who knew him. He has left behind a rich harvest of memories to cherish, honor and emulate. He will be greatly and forever be in our hearts.
Services are being provided by Holmes-Coffey- Murray Funeral Home located at 121 N 5th Ave, Durant, OK 74701. Family night will be Tuesday, April 4 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Holmes-Coffey-Murray Funeral Home. A private burial will be at 10:00 a.m. April 5 for family, close friends and the 1957 class of Durant High School. A Memorial Service will be at 2:00 p.m. April 5, at The Event Center, previously the United Methodist Church where James and Harriet were married located at 218 North Third (3rd) Street, Durant, Oklahoma with Horace Skip Robinson officiating. Pall Bearers will be members of the Durant High School Class of 1957 and Butch Arnett, Gary Arnett and John Massey. A handicap door and elevator are available on the north side of the building for those needing assistance.