James C. Stewart

James C. Stewart, affectionately known as "Jimmie" or "Studie," son of the late James Lynwood Stewart and the late Pearl Holt Lucy, passed away peacefully at home at the age of 87. Born in Petersburg, Virginia, on May 26, 1938, he lived a life defined by dedication - to his family, his country, his community, and his profession.

Jimmie is survived by his beloved wife of 68 years, Alvilla Ritchie Stewart; his children, Wendy Early (David), Kelly Chappell (Chuck), and Mike Stewart (Shauna); and his grandchildren, Krysten Tabor (Josh), Jamie Stewart, Joshua Chappell (Brittany), Sydney Adair (Tyler), Jacob Chappell (Terra), Benjamin Foster (Kim), Ainsley Foster, and Delaney Foster. He was also the proud great-grandfather of eleven great-grandchildren. He is also survived by several cousins, and many dear friends and colleagues who enriched his life.

After graduating from Petersburg High School in 1955, Jimmie served honorably in the U.S. Navy from 1956 to 1958, followed by two years in the Naval Reserves. He furthered his education at Richard Bland College and went on to graduate from the University of Virginia Bank Management School and the American Institute of Banking.

With over 36 years in the real estate/finance industry, Jimmie built a respected career marked by integrity and leadership. He served 12 years as a branch manager and loan officer with First & Merchants Bank of Petersburg, two years with First Federal Savings and Loan Association of Petersburg, and 26 years with First Colonial Bank as President and Managing Officer.

He was a member of the American Association of Certified Appraisers, the Southside Virginia Board of Realtors, and the Homebuilders Association of Southside Virginia. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jimmie was deeply committed to civic life. He served as a Member and Board Director of the Southside Shelter Workshop, President of the Hopewell-Prince George Chamber of Commerce, President of the Hopewell-Prince George Crimesolvers - where he was honored as a founding member, a member of Moose Lodge 1472, and the Colonial Heights Civitans. He also regularly attended the Petersburg Old Geezers Club (POGO) luncheons and thoroughly enjoyed his time with old classmates and friends he grew up with. In his down time, whether at home or at his beloved cabin in the woods, he was an avid NASCAR race fan, enjoyed watching golf, and the stock market.

An avid outdoorsman, Jimmie found great joy in hunting and was a proud member of Homeville Hunt Club and past member of Wachsmann Hunt Club.

Jimmie will be remembered for his quiet strength, his deep sense of duty, and his unwavering love for his family. His legacy lives on in the lives of those he touched.

The family would like to extend their thanks to James River Hospice for their extraordinary care.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 am, on Thursday, September 25, 2025, at Southlawn Memorial Park, 1911 Birdsong Road, South Prince George, VA. The family will receive friends from 6 pm until 8 pm, on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, at the Petersburg Chapel of J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, 103 S. Adams St., Petersburg, VA.