James T. Stewart PhD

Dr. James Thomas Stewart, 74, beloved brother, husband, father, and grandfather, died Saturday, May 11, at his home after an 11 year battle with Parkinson's Disease. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Edmund and Mary Park Stewart of Birmingham, Alabama. He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Ella J. Stewart; three daughters, Elisa Rowland (Randall), Cathryn Staudigl (Brian), and Sharyn Dickerson (Joe); brother, William Stewart (Redetha); eight grandchildren; two step-grandchildren, and one nephew.
A Professor Emeritus in the University of Georgia's College of Pharmacy, he retired in 2002 after 35 years of teaching. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of Michigan and came to Athens in 1967.
His career included academic positions at the University of Georgia and collaborative research projects with pharmaceutical industrial firms and government, service on the Food Chemicals Codex Revision Committee, the Federal Drug Administration Pharmaceutical Science Advisory Committee, and served 25 years on the Board of Experts of the United States Pharmacopeia. Dr. Stewart was recognized for his work in pharmaceutical analysis. His scholarly and research contributions were reported in papers published in recognized journals and presentations at national and international meetings. He contributed book chapters for textbooks and co- authored the Textbook of Biopharmaceutic Analysis. During his career, he received many awards including Teacher of the Year and was the recipient of the 1990 Research Achievement Award in Pharmaceutical Analysis and Quality presented by the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists. In 1993, he received the Justin L. Powers Research Achievement Award in Pharmaceutical Analysis presented by the American Pharmaceutical Association. He was selected for the 1998 Distinguished Alumnus Award by the Auburn University School of Pharmacy and was awarded the 2002 Career Research Award by the Northeast Georgia American Chemical Society Section. He earned the respect and admiration of his graduate students and enjoyed their friendships as he followed their careers.
He was an elder in the Presbyterian denomination and was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Athens, Georgia where he was a faithful member of the Chancel Choir and the Mellows (a volunteer group that sings for shut-ins). The Tuesday Morning Men's Bible Study fellowship was a source of friendship and inspiration. He shared a love of music, model trains, and travel with his grandkids, family, and friends.
A memorial service will be at 3:30PM on Thursday, May 16 at First Presbyterian Church (Athens). Lord & Stephens Funeral Home of Athens (East) has charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to First Presbyterian Church, Athens (Choir Fund) or the Dr. James T. Stewart Endowment at the UGA College of Pharmacy.
The family extends sincere appreciation and gratitude to the staff of Gentiva Hospice and Remain At Home Senior Care for their loving care in his final days.