John Lynn Stewart, known by all who knew him as a genuinely good human being, died doing what he loved while working in his beautiful yard overlooking the marsh. John, who was born in Flatwoods, West Virginia on March 7, 1946, was truly a self-made man. After graduating from Sutton High School, he worked his way though Glenville State University, earning a BA Degree in Instrumental Music Education. He was drafted into the Army and served a tour of duty in Vietnam as a recorder of war atrocities. Some of his later health issues were deemed the result of exposure to Agent Orange. Following completion of his Vietnam duty, he could have returned to the U.S., but wanting to experience other cultures, he was assigned as assistant manager of the Officers' Club in Heidelberg, Germany. Upon discharge from the Army, John taught music at the American Military School at Supreme Headquarters, Allied Powers, Mons, Belgium. He said he "bought an old VW Beetle and ran the wheels off'' seeing everything he could. Returning to the U.S., John taught music in eastern West Va, traveling between small schools, numerous of them with one room, while also driving through the mountains at night to obtain an MS Degree in Music from Radford University. He also earned a PhD in Music Education from Glendale University.

John moved to Charleston in 1973 and taught instrumental music in the public schools of Berkeley and Charleston counties. He was band director at Ft. Johnson Middle School for 27 years. He was an adjunct lecturer at the College of Charleston. John loved being in the classroom sharing his love of music with young students. He was continually gratified by calls and letters through the years from former students telling him their appreciation for music was due to him and saying they were passing it on to their children. He was named "Teacher of the Year" numerous times.

John spent the last 15 years of his working career as a real estate agent for Carolina One, where he enjoyed assisting clients find houses they could turn into "homes." John received the first company-wide "Grange Cuthbert Award" given to an agent who represents the highest values of excellence, truth, and the importance of relationships. John was a member of the early Charleston Opera Company and volunteered for years with The Preservation Society of Charleston. He was a member of Grace Church Cathedral.

John was a "nester", decorating his home for all the seasons, but was particularly known for his love of Christmas. There would be as many as six decorated trees, each with their particular theme. It was also his favorite time to entertain. He enjoyed gardening, selecting his annual colors as if he was painting a picture. He was a car enthusiast, especially for ones in which he could put the top down. He was an avid genealogist and proud of his Scottish heritage. John traveled widely, but said he felt at home when in Scotland. He also had a special bond with his dogs through the years and believed when he would come to the "Rainbow Bridge" in Heaven, they would come bounding over and he would take them in his arms once again!

John is survived by Bill Trawick, his partner of 36 years, a sister Linda (Danny), brothers Don (Brenda), Frank (Eileen), Buck (Jackie), Bret (Marty), loving nieces and nephews, and many friends, including very special ones, Tei and Chad Tober. He was predeceased by his parents, Verl and Marguerite Stewart.

A memorial service will be held at Grace Church Cathedral on Saturday, June 13, at 11 a.m. Donations are requested to Transforming Grace, Grace Church Cathedral, 98 Wentworth Street, Charleston, SC 29401.

A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting our website at www.jhenrystuhr.com

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.