Barbados’ Governor General, Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason in conversation with centenarian, James Stewart as he receives a birthday card.
Legionnaire turns 100
Living to 100 years and beyond runs in the Stewart family and this island’s newest centenarian, James Stewart is the third relative to join the club.
The other centenarians in his family are cousins the late James Sisnettt, who lived to 113 years old and 107 year old Abigail Sisnett.
“J” or “Little J” as he is affectionately called is a proud member of The Barbados Legion. He celebrated his 100th birthday on Friday surrounded by family and friends at his St. Michael home. Stewart was in high spirits on the day and reflecting on becoming a centenarian, he repeatedly told all gathered “this is the old man that has done well”.
His daughter and niece spoke fondly about him and attendees were reminded of his love for being well-dressed and well groomed. It was also shared that he always gave words of encouragement and that he yearly looked forward to participating in the Remembrance Day service.
The father of nine, grandfather of 27, great grandfather of 51 and great, great grandfather of 10 has been married for the past 67 years to Evelyn Stewart, who is 96 years old. The couple met at a cousin’s wedding and according to his wife their marriage has been “sometimes good and sometimes bad, poor but however it come we make out ... and lived together in Jesus’ name.”
Stewart shared several compliments to persons present at his birthday gathering while seizing every opportunity to thank God he reached his age. Two individuals who were recipients of such compliments were his daughter, Paula Morris, who he said was nicely dressed and Governor General Her Excellency Dame Sandra Mason, who he remarked on how youthful she looked.
The Head of State presented the member of the Haggatt Hall Wesleyan Holiness Church with a bottle of non-alcoholic champagne, a fruit basket and two birthday cards.
Dame Sandra described Stewart as a “living legion” and she asked all gathered to continue to love and support him for years to come.
She especially urged two of his grandchildren in attendance to cherish both their grandparents.(MG)