James Dale Stewart, 70, of Beaumont, died Friday, October 29, 2010, in Houston.
James was born July 25, 1940 in Robstown, Texas to Lamar and Arlene Stewart. He was the youngest of four children. James and his wife Beverly had been living in Pearland for the last three years to be close to his doctors and hospitals.
James grew up in Robstown, where he graduated high school. He was valedictorian of his class. James won many awards as a member of the cross country track team, the high school band and the 4H club. He also belonged to various other organizations during high school.
James then attended and graduated from the University of Texas in Austin. He taught math classes there and graded papers for the professors while he was working on his degrees. James earned both a Bachelor of Science degree and Masters degree in chemical engineering. James completed hours at both the University of Texas and Lamar University for a Doctorate of Engineering.
James worked for Mobil oil refinery for twenty-nine years. He held several different positions during his years with Mobil. He was supervisor of a multi-million dollar computer networking installation. James wrote mathematical equations that modeled the operations of the refinery. These models saved Mobil millions of dollars and showed the refinery how to run more effectively.
James married Beverly Olson on July 12, 1969. Beverly is the love of his life. She loved him to the depth of her heart. They had a wonderful forty-one years of marriage. Beverly was teaching school at Little Cypress when they married. When James received one of his many transfers with Mobil, Beverly quit teaching and devoted her heart and soul to supporting James in his work, organizations and staying in good health.
James and Beverly loved to travel. James went to many states for the company, two involving moves to Joliet, Illinois and Fairfax, Virginia. The biggest move of all was their transfer to Saudi Arabia for three years.
James was always willing to learn new things for the company. He attended many conferences, schools, etc… to make his work better. James always gave one hundred percent effort to any task he did, whether it was at work, at home, or for his organizations.
James was a Mason and a Shriner. He was the founder of the El Mina Shrine Oriental Band. He was President of the band for several years. He devoted many hours and out of town trips to collect music, ideas and information for the Oriental Band. James had a lifetime membership to the Oriental Band.
James was a member of the Tolerance Lodge No. 1165. He is a 32 degree Scottish Rite Valley of Galveston. He was an endowed member of chapter and council and had been a member of the El Mina Patrol. He was a long time treasurer of the York Rites bodies and past commander of commandery number 38.
James was a wonderful person. He was brave, devoted, hardworking and kind. He was charming and very brilliant. He will always be my shining star. He taught me many things.
James received the Grand Royal Arch Chapter of Texas Cornerstone award. He received the Excalibur award for his outstanding devoted service to Templar masonry and Beaumont Commendery. James also received the Cryptic Triangle Award for Grand Council Royal and select Masters of Texas.
James is survived by his wife of forty-one years, Beverly Olson Stewart; sister, Wanda Lou; nieces, Laura Sue and Lou Ann; cousins, Olva and Ann; one aunt, Mary Kent; his mother-in-law, LaVonne Leverett; and many friends and caregivers, especially Latarsha Smith.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and two siblings.
His funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 3, 2010, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont with burial to follow at Orange Forest Lawn in Orange. A gathering of his family and friends will be from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 2, 2010, at Broussard’s.
