James T. StewartFuneral services for Mr. James T. Stewart will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, December 16, 2016, at First Baptist Church of Pineville, LA, with Dr. Stewart Holloway officiating. Interment will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Pineville under the direction of Hixson Brothers.Visitation will be observed at Hixson Brothers Funeral Home in Pineville on Thursday, December 15, 2016, from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm and on Friday, December 16, 2016, at First Baptist Church of Pineville from 9:00 am until time of service. James Stewart, 76, of Pineville, LA, went home to meet the Lord on December 12, 2016, at home with his wife by his side. James Thomas Stewart was born on the cold winter night of December 27, 1939, in the small town of Enterprise, LA, in Catahoula Parish. James was affectionately called many names by anyone who knew him - "James, Jim, Jimbo, J.T. and Jimmy". James and his wife Pat were blessed with 34 years of marriage and above all else, J.T. cherished his family, especially his grandchildren. His grandchildren thought the sun rose and set with "their J.T.". He graduated from Montgomery High School in Grant Parish and furthered his education by earning a Master's Degree in Education plus 30 from Northwestern State University in 1963. James had a passion for education and had a long career in Rapides Parish as a teacher and principal. He was a lifetime member of the Louisiana Retired Teacher's Association (LRTA) and spent countless hours lobbying for the rights of retired teachers throughout the state of Louisiana. He served as Executive Board Member and most recently served as Louisiana State President of LRTA. James also served as an active member of the Pineville chapter of Kiwanis International. James was an active member of First Baptist Church of Pineville and served as the Senior Sunday School Class teacher. James and his wife, Pat, were able to enjoy life through travel meeting new people and experiencing new adventures. J.T. never met a stranger. His big smile and hearty laugh would command the presence of everyone around. James had a deep concern for those less fortunate than himself. He went out of his way at every opportunity to help those in need. James was preceded in death by his parents, Betty Inez Davis and William Rodger Stewart; brother, William Shepherd Kelly; and sister, Nettie Margaret Stewart. He is survived by his wife, Patsy Butler Stewart of Pineville; his brother, Rodger Lee Stewart of Pineville; and his sister, Nancy Elizabeth Binion of Woodland, AL; step-son, Robert Scott Rucker (Marie) of Round Rock, TX; step-daughter, Karen Rucker Garrett (Doug) of Pineville; his special nephew, Stewart Binion (Regina) of Winnsboro; his grandchildren, Jason, Ryan, and Megan Garrett, Nicholas and Abigail Rucker, Abigail and Archer Hamson; four great grandchildren and many close friends. Pallbearers honored to serve are Jason Garrett, Ryan Garrett, Nicholas Rucker, Stewart Binion, Lynn Cavanaugh, and James Charles. Honorary pallbearers are the retired teachers of Louisiana (LRTA) and members of the Pineville Kiwanis Club. In the final months of his life, James said that his wish was for all to enjoy life and live it to the fullest as he had. In the spirit of continuing James' legacy of giving to others, he asked that in lieu of flowers, contributions be made to each person's favorite charity. To extend online condolences to the Stewart family, please visit us at www.hixsonbrothers.com.