James Richard Steward was born July 30, 1944, in Hastings, Florida to the late Elijah and Dollise Steward.

As a teenager, Richard worked in the local potato and cabbage fields. However, his first real job was when he was in the 10th grade. He worked for Lovett’s Grocery in Hastings, Florida. He attended Hastings Vocational Training School and Walter E. Harris High School where his extracurricular activity was playing the drums in the school marching band. Richard graduated from high school in 1962 and shortly thereafter he moved to Brooklyn, New York and began working at the New York Botanical Gardens and six months later he applied and was accepted into the Lithographic Union; and this was the start of a 44 year career as a Printer until he retired and moved back to his hometown in 2004.

Richard loved working with his hands and he always threw himself into his interest, passions and projects that would consume his free time. He also learned how to sew and he would make Dashikis for his immediate family. Overall, Richard’s true passion was gardening and being a farmer. He became a Certified Master Gardener and he often referred to himself as a COWBOY and of course he wore the Hats and Spurs to justify it. While living in Laurelton, New York he had a garden in his backyard and he would often enter his prized vegetables into many competitions and he often won First Place. He was the founding member of the Laurelton Gardens Association that beautified the community and the local railroad station. Richard was an active member of the Northeast Florida Campers Club. They embarked on a thrilling journey from Florida to Seattle, Washington; venturing into and across Canada up to Alaska and down to New York before returning to Florida. James Richard Steward was baptized at an early age by his grandfather, Rev. James Garris and he was a member of Gethsemane Missionary Baptist Church.

Richard was proceeded in death by his parents: Elijah and Dollise Steward and his brothers: Elijah Jr., Dwight and Melvin.

He is survived by his wife: Alice Craighead Steward, son James A. Steward and his companion Jennifer Miller-Fields, Grandson Elija James Steward (Brandi Steward), great grands Elija Jr. and Isaiah and his siblings Roscoe Steward, Phyence Steward (Lucretia), Evelyn Vazquez and Darlene Williams. Sisters-in-law Janet Pruitt (Alfonso), Ruth Powell and Elaine Craighead and brother-in-law Michael Craighead. He is also survived by countless cousins and a host of nieces, nephews and extended family members.

James Richard Steward

Famous quote: “YOU’RE ON A NEED TO KNOW BASIS.”

Visitaton will be 5-6 p.m., Friday, September 6, @ Gethsemane MB Church, 317 Daniels St, Hastings. A Celebration of Life will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, September 7, @ The Lord's Temple, 140 Gilmore St, Hastings, Interment will be held in Oakhill East.