Jim B. Stewart

James “Jim” Buford Stewart was joyfully welcomed into eternity with Jesus on April 26, 2025 – the ultimate prize he had long since set his hope upon. He was born April 13, 1949, in Austin, Texas, the son of Buford and Mary Elizabeth Stewart.

Raised in the church, Jim’s parents set a firm foundation of faith in their home, but as adulthood approached, Jim grew excited to explore the world on his own. In true Jim form, he boldly told the Lord – “if you’re going to do anything with my life, you better do it now.”

And God did do something – something radical, eternal and generation-altering. The living God encountered Jim, and without hesitation, he endeavored to devote his life to a steadfast pursuit of Jesus and the transforming work of the Holy Spirit.

Jim attended Baylor University before transferring to The University of Texas where he would meet and fall deeply in love with Janice, his adored bride of 50 years. Together they raised four beloved children and created a home that gathered people together - one filled with laughter, encouragement, genuineness, unshakeable faith and a come-as-you-are open door.

A lifelong learner with a fearless entrepreneurial spirit, Jim built more than 50 custom homes in the DFW area and developed nearly 40 acres of land in College Station, comprising 542 units. Beyond his real estate accomplishments, Jim was a builder in the spiritual realm as well. Following a deep passion for ministry and the Word of God, he was active with Campus Crusade for Christ and later attended Dallas Theological Seminary. Jim’s commitment to family and community inspired him to pioneer small groups at Pantego Bible Church long before the idea became mainstream.

This can definitively be said of Jim: he was a visionary in the natural and the supernatural, a rare combination and a true treasure to all who knew him. Jim’s life was marked by one word: Jesus. Jesus in Jim’s gentle demeanor, Jesus in Jim’s pursuit of excellence in all he did, Jesus in Jim’s adoration for his wife and children, Jesus in Jim’s prophetic vision for house churches, Jesus in Jim’s warrior spirit in fighting on behalf of others, Jesus in Jim’s generosity with his time and resources, and Jesus in Jim’s final years of quiet intercession.

Whether he was water skiing like a pro, making peach ice cream in the summer, passing along his latest book recommendation or challenging people to dream bigger with God, Jim lived life with vigor, tenacity and true joy. His faith-filled legacy is carried on by Janice, his adored wife of 50 years, their four children Jonathan (Tiffany), Aaron, Kristi (Peter), and Matthew (Courtney); 12 grandchildren Nick, Elijah, Izzy, Isaiah, Hannah Grace, Faith, Isaac, Samuel, Joshua James “JJ”, Eleanor, Shepherd and Noelle; two sisters Susan Keith (Darrell) and Lisa Moore (Terry) and many other loving extended family members.

The family would also like to thank the many friends and family who have loved and supported Jim these final years - your kindness is a testimony of God’s faithfulness.

A celebration of life will be held Monday, May 5, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Wade Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, Texas 76013.

In lieu of flowers and to honor Jim’s well-run race, donations may be made to Braveheart Ministries founded by Peter and Kristi Louis. Braveheart is a discipleship ministry partnered with the local church that endeavors to see people set free through the Gospel of Jesus Christ, walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, and live in authentic community with one another, all values Jim held dear.

Mail checks to: Braveheart Ministries, 9940 Kirkhaven Drive, Dallas, TX 75238.