James Donald Stewart

James Stewart, 50, of Statesville, passed away on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at the Gordon Hospice House after a courageous battle with a late onset diagnosis of Muscular Dystrophy that he received in March of 2020.

James was born October 7, 1974, to Donald Stewart and Robin Spaugh Ward.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Brandy Best; daughters, Kenleigh Stewart and Antonia Best; parents, Donald Stewart (Diane) and Robin Spaugh Ward (Kenny); sister, Lisa Stocum; aunt, Patsy Pate; uncle, Bert Stewart; and best friend friend/“brother”, Jaime Norman. He is also survived by several other close friends, Jason Mullins, Chris Freeman, Brandon Self, Chris Angell and his palliative care doctor, Dr. Carl Grey, with whom James developed a special bond with through the past several years.

He attended Davie County schools, and his last job was a truck driver for Schwerman Trucking until he was forced to go on disability due to his disease. Among other professions he worked in, he thoroughly enjoyed working for Richard Childress Racing and spent many years volunteering in the Archdale and Old Richmond Fire Departments. He was a member of The Sons of Confederate Veterans as well as their subgroup The Mechanized Calvary and The Red Knights Firefighters Motorcycle Club North Carolina Chapter 13.

James faced his diagnosis head on and accepted it. Although he had his days where he questioned why, most days he tried to make the best of it and be a positive influence to others on how to make the best of their time while alive. He spent the years fighting his disease trying to bring awareness to Muscular Dystrophy and helping others obtain equipment or medical supplies not covered by insurance. He did this by holding several fundraisers with his motorcycle clubs and donating the money to Atrium Health Baptist Hospital’s Philanthropy Department.

James never met a stranger and if you were willing to listen, he was willing to talk. It was one of his fears that he would lose his ability to talk before his passing and that was something he did not want to face. Luckily, he never completely lost his whole voice.

Before his disease took his ability, James was an avid motorcycle rider and loved to be out on a drive with only the rubber on the tires, between him and the road. He participated in a Guiness World Record Ride in Paris, TX and made several cross-country trips on his motorcycle. He continued to ride a 2-wheel bike until he no longer had the strength to hold one up. He then traded in for a Can Am Spyder which kept him able to ride. Eventually that too was too much for him to handle.

A funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Thursday, July 10, 2025, at Troutman Funeral Home with his best friend Jamie Norman officiating. The family will visit with friends on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Troutman Funeral Home.

Due to James’ love for motorcycles, we are inviting anyone who rides to be part of an honor ride to the cemetery. We know he would love to hear all the bikes escorting him to his earthly resting place. If you will plan to be part of this ride, please be at the funeral home by 9:30am to be lined up with the other bikes participating.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Dr. Carl Grey, and most recently, James’ home hospice nurse, Abigail, for the wonderful care they provided.

Because of James’ disease he could not acquire life insurance so the family is asking in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Troutman Funeral to help with funeral expenses.

Troutman Funeral Home is serving the Stewart family.