James Stewart

Dr. James Brewer Stewart, husband, father, grandfather, esteemed History Professor Emeritus and lifelong social justice champion passed away surrounded by family on May 7 at the age of 84. In his dance with cancer Jim chose quality of life over quantity and passed 6 days prior to being joined by his beloved wife Dorothy Stewart (neé Carlson).

James was born August 8th, 1940, and grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio. After meeting at Case Western Reserve, Jim shared a life of love and partnership with Dottie for 60 years in the Macalester-Groveland neighborhood, raising their daughters in the 200-year-old house they lovingly restored together over decades. Jim dedicated his summers to the family cabin on Crystal Lake, creating joyful memories with Dottie, daughters and grandchildren - fishing, voraciously reading, and always writing and working on his latest social justice project.

A towering figure in the academic community, Dr. Stewart left an indelible mark through his scholarship, teaching, and unwavering commitment to equity and justice. Jim began his distinguished academic journey at Dartmouth College, graduating in 1962, and earned his PhD in American history from Case Western Reserve University in 1968. He joined Macalester College in 1969, where he dedicated over four decades to teaching American history. During his tenure, he rose to become the James Wallace Professor of History, a beloved mentor, and a transformative leader. Beyond his classroom excellence, Jim chaired the History Department and served as Dean of the Faculty and Provost, guiding the institution through pivotal years.

His scholarly work, deeply rooted in the history of slavery and abolition, was both groundbreaking and deeply influential. After "retiring" in 2002, Jim continued his active scholarship, authoring seven books that enriched historical understanding and informed contemporary perspectives. His dedication to social justice extended beyond academia; he founded Historians Against Slavery and AHHA!, an innovative collaboration that brought together artists and historians to promote anti-racist education. Among his notable contributions was the creation of the sixteen-lecture YouTube series Historical Tonic for Fragile White Folks, designed to challenge and expand historical consciousness.

In his final year, Jim was instrumental in establishing The Way Forward: Mahmoud El-Kati Project Fund at Macalester College. This fund embodies his vision of fostering equity and justice by supporting student engagement with local communities, empowering faculty social justice initiatives, and reconnecting alumni through career development. The inaugural fellowship this summer will enable research addressing racial injustice and exclusion in the United States, a cause close to Jim's heart.

Jim is survived by his devoted and loving daughters Rebecca and Jennifer, his son in law David Holm and his grandsons Bjorn Holm (Emma McHenry), Severin Holm and Oskar Holm, his brothers Henry Stewart (Diane Stewart) and Dick Stewart (Kay Stewart) and numerous nieces and nephews. His legacy endures in the lives he touched, the history he illuminated, and the ongoing fight for justice he so passionately championed.

Jim will be laid to rest with Dottie in late June at Acacia Cemetery with a small family graveside gathering. There will be a public Celebration of Jim's life held at the University Club in Saint Paul on September 14th, 2025, at 4pm. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to Jim's most recent social justice project http://payattentionproject.org/ where you can donate in his honor.