James Leon Steward

James Leon Steward, age 73 of Warren, died Friday, October 18, 2019 at Beaumont Hospital in Troy, Michigan. He was born February 10, 1946 in Hamtramck, son of the late Hugh James and the late Desmar Grace (nee: West) Steward.

In telling a story of James, it can be supported through the use of numbers,…as in 54, the number of years he has shared in a loving marriage with his wonderful bride, Sharyl. Just a couple of youngsters who succumbed to Cupid’s arrow, fell in love, then promised themselves to each other as husband & wife. It was a relationship that welcomed two beautiful children into their lives, and one that found them growing deeper in love with each passing day.

Then there was 32,…the number of years that James was employed with the automotive giant, Chrysler’s where he worked as a cutter / grinder and was an integral part of the automotive miracle that helped to populate America, and the world, with the pride of the Motor City. A dedicated and loyal employee for many years, James enjoyed his career and the friendships he made while working alongside his peers. James would eventually retire early so he could enjoy his golden years of life, and some of his passions as well,…like nurturing his garden out back. Possessing the tender-loving-care of a horticulturalist, James managed his garden with the greenest thumb he could muster which generated some of the sweetest and most succulent produce that made many of the family dinners a special treat.

Then came the number 35,…the number of years that James was free from the monster of alcoholism, a period of sobriety he held with deep humility and pride,…one day at a time. For those closest to James, they watched as the monster took over his senses and held him in bondage for many years. But then, by the grace of God, those chains were broken and James was set free,…free to enjoy the life he was destined for, a life that provided him with new and exciting opportunities with a clean and clear mind to comprehend the blessings in his life.

When James found time away from the job, one of his pet pastimes was enjoyed fishing, especially when it was Walleye on the line. Perhaps one of his favorite fish to catch & consume, James was a pro when it came to reelin’ in these Michigan icons and providing food for his family in the process. It didn’t really matter what kind of fish were biting, James simply found great enjoyment in those moments of peacefulness and serenity between each tug on the line,…then the action ensued. And there was no doubt that his fishing excursions were made even more special each time he was accompanied by his precious daughter, Dawn. Their memories were rife & endearing with the many trips they shared up north together, casting their lines in the water and sharing a kinship for a sport they loved. Always in search of the “Big One,”…just the fact that Daddy made that time for his daughter,…well, I guess James caught the Big One with each fishing memory he helped create.

Like many of us, James was a huge fan of eating out and letting others do the cooking and cleaning. Whether it was enjoying his coveted Catfish dinner at Red Lobster or the mouthwatering goodness of the Filet Mignon at The Brewery, stepping out to dinner at one of these two places was sure to be a wonderful treat. James was also known for his love of movies and the cinema. Watching a good movie on the television has been made more appealing with the awesome TV’s out there,…but for James, nothing could beat enjoying a flick on the big screen.Other of James’ favorite pastimes included sharing table games with family and friends like the old standard, Dominos, and the ever-popular, Tripoley. He also kept quite entertained by putting together jigsaw puzzles, and solving Soduko puzzles, too.    

Though it’s hard to equate “love” with material things, there was no question that James was definitely immersed in some kind of deep passion for his coveted Dodge Ram Pickup. He truly loved that thing.  Those beasts just scream “macho” and call upon the manliest of senses,…and James never ceased to be enthralled by his Hunk-a-Hunk of burnin’…horsepower! A man always feels taller in a truck and nobody knew that more than James.

Yet of all in which James garnered love, there was nothing  that could hold a candle to “family,”…and there was no family more precious than his. A loving husband, father and grandfather, James shared the best of himself with every chance he was given, and lived out the reality that second chances can be a huge blessing. He will be missed immensely and loved eternally.

James was the beloved husband of Sharyl; dearest father of Dawn (Tom) Grzybowski and Sean (Lori) Steward; and loving grandfather of Kaitlin, Kristin, and Coleton. Brother of the late Lois Davis.

Visitation for James will be held Wednesday, October 23rd from 3-9 pm at the D.S. Temrowski & Sons Funeral Home, 30009 Hoover Road at Common (12 ½ Mile Road) in Warren. His Funeral Services will be conducted at 12:00 pm on Thursday at the funeral home. Officiating the services will be Pastor Tom Fisher. Burial will follow at Cadillac Memorial Gardens East in Clinton Township, Michigan.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations would be appreciated to the family of Mr. James Steward.

Please share memories of James at his guest book below.