Bruce Stewart Dowless

Stewart Bruce Dowless, age 84, passed away on February 5, 2026. He was born in Carver’s Creek (Bladen County, North Carolina) on February 14, 1941, to Walter Victor Dowless and Alta Riddle Dowless. He and his wife Irma Jane met in college in High Point, North Carolina, married in 1960 and lived in High Point until moving to Jacksonville, Florida in 1962.

Stewart was a history teacher for the Duval County Schools for over 35 years. He and Irma Jane taught also in Alaska (1963-65) and Peru (1973-75). As a farmer, he raised cattle and grew blueberries which he and his wife sold through a u-pick operation for many years.

Stewart was preceded in death by his parents, sister Elizabeth Sanders, brothers Herbert, Carl and Gerald Dowless, nephew Hunter Dowless, sister-in-law Kay Dowless, and son in law Bill Monk. He is survived by his wife, Irma Jane Dowless, daughters Amy Dowless Monk of Jacksonville, Florida and Jill Dowless and her husband Bradford Kelly of Atlanta, George, sister-in-law Vada Dowless of North Carolina, as well as many special nephews and nieces and dear friends.

All his life, Stewart enjoyed hunting and fishing. He loved teaching and farming. Many friendships developed from these endeavors and, along with his family, contributed to an interesting and fulfilling life.

"Special thanks to friends, neighbors and caregivers who were so helpful during this final phase of his life. We love and appreciate all of you."

A Celebration of Life service will be held at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, located at 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, FL, 32205, United States. The service is scheduled for February 14, 2026, at 11:00 am.