James Samuel Stuart

James Samuel Stuart

James Samuel Stuart 70 Cave Springs left this earth Friday, August 26. Stu or Stuart as he was known was bom May 16,1952 to Marion Edgar Stuart Jr. and Betty Jane Bell Stuart.

Stuart's early childhood was spent in Fort Smith Arkansas. Both sets of grandparents lived dose by and he has happy memories of being in their homes. He spent many hours playing with his best friend for life, Mike Brooks, Riding bikes, playing marbles and staying out till dark. His best memories are riding with the "men" (Dad and Pop Stuart) to Pryor Oklahoma. He remembers the drives over (no seatbelt required at that time!) and sitting on a bench in front of the General store listening to them talk. He was impressed when the men were allowed to spit on the sidewalk.

Stu's dad was in the military so there were many family moves. Pryor Oklahoma, Blythevilte, Arkansas, Steele, Missouri and several cities in California.

Stuart graduated from San Gorgonio High School in San Bernardino California. He would talk of his friends Dirk, Willy and Donna and the crazy parties on the beach.

One of his greatest accomplishments was riding his motorcycle down route 66 from Arkansas to California at 18 years old. He talked of sleeping under the stars and seeing the most beautiful sunrise over Phoenix. He still owned the Harley boots from that trip and they were one of his prize possessions.

Stu returned Fort Smith where he met and married Deborah Smedley. They would have two sons, Chris and Jason.

Stuart worked at the Diamond Shamrock until the plant closed. Then at Poteau Hospital.

He worked hard and received an associates degree from Westark College and with the help of Dr. Bud Keonig he was able to learn phlebotomy and lab work. He later worked in radiology where he started out dipping the x-rays in solution and hanging them with clothes pins to dry. When he got his digital new x-ray machine this last year, he said it was like Star Wars.

Stuart met Terri Russell in 2000 and in 2001 they were married. After 3 years of living in Fort Smith they relocated to Cave Springs Arkansas.

Stuart took a position as lab and x-ray tech with Mercy Medical Center in Lowell. He called the clinic his home and loved everyone there like family.

He was an avid photographer a past member of the photographic society of Northwest Arkansas, and has several photos displayed at local businesses. He was a proud member of the patriot guard riders. He loved deer hunting, trout fishing and riding his motorcycle, or as he called it "His wind therapy"

Stuart was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Gloria Janie Walker (Gary).

He is survived by his wife Terri, of the home; sisters Judy Lee of Anaheim, CA, Carol Webb (Frank) of South Port, FL., Teena Jeffers (Rick) of White Hall, AR.; sons, Chris Stuart (Jennifer), Jason Stuart, both of Fort Smith, AR., four grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

Services will be at 11:00 A.M. on August 31, 2022 in the chapel of Memorial Funeral Home, 3926 Willowood Avenue Springdale, Arkansas 72762, with Pastor Don Morrow officiating. Visitation will begin at 10:00 A.M.

Terri asks that you help bring depression out of the darkness. Talk, listen and learn. Call 988 if you or a loved one have thoughts of suicide.

Memorials can be made to Mercy Health Systems or St. Jude's Children's Hospital.

Online condolences may be made to www.memorialfhspringdale.com