James Floyd Stewart, 89, of Lake City, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on Saturday, August 29th surrounded by the love of his family. A lifelong resident of Lake City, James was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, friend, and faithful servant of his church and community.

James was a lifelong member of Lake City United Methodist Church, where he had been a faithful member since the 1960s. His faith was a central part of his life, and he remained active in church until the very end of his life. He was a humble and kind man who lived his life with quiet consistency and genuine love for others. He was the kind of man about whom no one seemed to have a negative word to say.

James graduated from Lake City High School, where he formed friendships and memories he cherished throughout his life. He loved his classmates and looked forward to attending their annual reunions. He worked for Crane for 17 years and World Color for 19 years. He also served on the Lake City City Council for 10 years and was a Mason, giving his time and service to the community he called home his entire life.

To his closest friends, James was affectionately known as “Smiley,” a fitting name for a man whose warm spirit and gentle nature left a lasting impression on those around him. He enjoyed the simple pleasures of life-watching the Cardinals, fishing, and working in his yard. He also loved his Rock Steady Boxing Community. He took great pride in his family, especially his daughter, Jami, and his grandchildren. James was a quiet man, but he never had to say much to convey how deeply he loved them. His pride in his family was evident in the way he spoke about them and in the joy they brought him.

James was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Ellen Wood Stewart; his parents, Eluid and May Stewart; his brother, Richard Stewart; and his sisters, Edna Gatlin and Lillian Pace.

He is survived by his daughter, Jami Bridger and her husband, Kent of Jonesboro; grandchildren, Stewart Bridger and his wife, Grayson, and great granddaughter Jo Ellen of Springdale, Jamison Bridger and his wife, Megan, and a great granddaughter who was eagerly anticipated and expected to arrive in the coming months. James was excited about welcoming this new great granddaughter and looked forward to the joy she would bring to the family.

Graveside service will be held Monday, August 31, 2026 at 11:00am at Lake City Cemetery with Bro. Jerry Reed officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Lake City United Methodist Church at PO Box 207, Lake City, AR 72437.