James Benton Stewart Jr.

James (Jim) Benton Stewart, Jr. of Lexington, TN peacefully entered into his Heavenly Home on Sunday, February 16, 2025 at his home, surrounded by family & friends, as his pastor, Brother Kenny Scott, of Rock Hill Baptist Church played and sang songs, effectively bringing Jim’s entire church family to him. Jim was born in Knoxville, TN, August 2, 1928. Though he was born with hearing disabilities, he never let it stop him from achieving the “high” goals he set for himself. He was especially proud of being a Boy Scout with Troop Five in Knoxville. He not only achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 1945 but he also earned three Eagle Palm Pins. Jim graduated from Knoxville High School in 1948 where he played football. Till the day he died he exercised his “bragging rights” about his team being state champions for several years. He went on to graduate from Memphis State University with an Industrial Engineer (Draftsman) Degree. After graduating he worked at the US Naval Air Station in Millington and later transferred to Arnold Engineering Development Center (AEDC) in Tullahoma, TN. He often told stories of the early years in helping our government develop the “Wind Tunnels” at AEDC used for testing aerodynamics of aircraft and weapons systems. Jim went to Chattanooga, TN in 1957 to work for Combustion Nuclear Engineering Department, where he retired in 1985. He lived and raised his family in Chattanooga until he was 90 years old. His later years were spent on the farm in Lexington, TN. He was very proud to be an American, and always flew the USA flag everywhere he lived. He was a member of the Sons of Revolution for over fifty years and held the office of President for the Chattanooga Chapter for several years. Though he was an accomplished golfer and loved to hunt, he was most proud to be a Christian. He loved Christ as his Savior and his family at Rock Hill Baptist Church in Lexington, TN, more than anything. Jim is preceded in death by his first wife of 25 years, Martha Ann Raby; his second wife Letitia Jo Bridges, also of 25 years; his parents James Benton Stewart, Sr. and Willia McLemore Stewart, a daughter Lee Ann Bridges, and a grandson, Andrew R. Bridges. Jim is survived by his wife Peggy Burroughs Stewart, and one son, James (Jay) B. Stewart, III and his wife Debbie of Clinton, TN, three grandchildren: John Robert Bridges III, Jaimi Martha Winningham (husband Daniel), and Matthew Benton Stewart (wife Britney), two great-grandchildren: Piper Nicole Winningham and Roman James Stewart. Jim is also survived by several step-children, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren. Visitation with the family will begin at Rock Hill Baptist Church at 10AM on Tuesday, February 18,2025 with service to be held at 2PM. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Knoxville, TN. Memorial contributions may be made to the Building Fund of Rock Hill Baptist Church, 605 Rock Hill Road, Lexington, TN, 38351.

James Benton Stewart Jr.

August 2, 1928 - February 16, 2025