Stewart Robert James

Stewart Robert James - beloved husband, father, and stepfather - passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by love, on Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the age of 80.

Born on December 6, 1944, in Pasadena, California, to Stewart Stephen James and Margaret Ellen James, Stewart grew up with a strong sense of family, faith, and the community around him. He attended John Muir High School before going on to get his undergraduate degree at the University of California, Berkeley. He continued his education from there, earning advanced degrees from both Cal and Cal State Hayward (now known as Cal State East Bay).

Stewart was baptized at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Pasadena, California where he went on to attend both Sunday chool and church. A deeply principled man with a strong sense of integrity, Stewart's faith helped shape his life and guide his actions. A lifelong student in anything he pursued, he studied the Bible regularly and read it cover to cover many times.

On March 25, 1972, he married the love of his life, Therese (Terri) Turner Attwood and became a stepfather to her sons Guy Attwood Jr., Greg Attwood, and Chris Attwood. In February the following year, Stewart and Terri welcomed daughter Elizabeth.

An avid and disciplined runner, he ran for distance several times a week including into his early 70s. He was well known for his Sunday "double-digit" run after church - you could set a watch by it. In 1998, having joined his daughter on a 20-mile final "training run" for her first marathon, she asked him if he would consider running the entire race with her. His words, "Funny you should mention that...great minds..." - and with two weeks' notice, ran his first marathon at the age of 54.

Professionally, Stewart began his career in the nonprofit sector before transitioning to Bank of America, where he held a wide range of executive roles during his 35+ year career. Even after retiring in 2015, he maintained his Certified Public Accounting (CPA) license until 2023. Never one to stop learning, he had recently taken up studying Physics. He volunteered countless hours of service to charity, church, and community.

Stewart's many interests and accomplishments were always secondary to what truly mattered most to him: his family. He was the rock of his family - a strong calming presence whose love and quiet, steadfast patriarchy are missed tremendously but still deeply felt. He loved to laugh and share in the joy of everyone around him. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Therese James; his daughter Elizabeth James (Greg Stegman); his stepson Chris Attwood; step-grandchildren; niece and nephews; and a large, close-knit circle of cousins who were more like his siblings.

A celebration of Stewart's life will be held on Sunday, August 3rd at 2:00 PM at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, located at 38451 Fremont Blvd, Fremont, California, 94536. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Stewart's name to one of the causes he deeply cared for:

- The American Cancer Society

- St. Jude's

- Tri-City Animal Shelter in Fremont, California

Stewart will be remembered for his integrity, wisdom, and unwavering love for his family. He leaves behind a legacy of kindness, strength, faith, purpose, and love.