James William (Bud) Steuart was born on December 30, 1940 to Ralph and Elsie Madge Steuart in Exeter, California.  Sadly, he passed away on August 9, 2021 at the age of 80. He left behind his dear wife, Jean Lindner Steuart and David Weir, Steven Edward and Deborah Jean Steuart.  He is preceded in death by Ralph, Madge, Robert, and Bette Steuart Haynes.

James attended elementary school early years in Exeter, CA, soon becoming Bud and Buddy to his friends and teachers. He attended Exeter High School, College of Sequoias, and was married on September 3rd, 1960. He transferred to CA State University, Fresno (CSUF) in 1960, completing his teaching credential in1962.

Bud's first son, David was born on June 21, 1962 in Fresno and Bud's first career was teaching and coaching at Delano Joint Union High School for five years.  His second son, Steven was born on November 20, 1963 and daughter Deborah (Debbie) on November 14, 1964 in Delano, CA.  Bud coached Basketball, Football, and Cross-Country Track at Delano Joint High School.  Attending a Summer Session at CSUF, he earned his Pupil Personnel Credential and in 1967 moved to the Bay Area knowing his next position was teaching business education at Mountain View High School, CA. While counseling he taught business education classes at Foothill Community College in Los Altos, CA at night.  The family enjoyed living in the Bay Area as Jean returned to university to complete her education while David, Steven and Debbie attended Jollyman Elementary School, now incorporated in Cupertino, CA.

In 1974, Bud took the position of Training Coordinator for the FRESNO Metropolitan Regional Occupational Program (ROP/ROC). The family moved back to the Central Valley.  This newly formed ROP/ROC involved extensive political issues and challenges in which Bud provided resolution. ROP/ROC is often referred to as "vocational education" or career preparation education.  It has become a statewide organization, unique to California. Bud was integral in this type of educational model. Many around the country replicate it. Bud's position of Training Coordinator developed into curriculum development, hiring staff and vocational teachers, working with credential issues, developing budgets, and supervising school districts.  In 1987 Bud was promoted to Administrator, which required him to assume fiscal and political responsibilities.  This included working with California State staff in Sacramento, State legislators, and school district leaders.  As a result of Bud's leadership, this model became more academically accepted around the country. In 1974, Bud's team started with zero participation in the school districts of Fresno, Madera, and Mariposa counties.  At retirement in 2002, the ROP/ROC offered 148 courses in 22 school districts. The organization was recognized statewide for its innovation and became a model statewide. The Steuart family lived in the area of Sanger, CA where his three children graduated from high school and then graduated from their respective universities. Jean completed her teaching and administrative credentials as well.

Bud and Jean enjoyed traveling throughout the European continent and USA, Canada, and Mexico.  This included Bud and Jean's 50th Anniversary Family Cruise to the southern Caribbean and several family Hawaiian Island trips.In 2004, they moved from Sanger, CA to Silverton, OR where they became active within their new community, enjoying their retirement years.  Bud really enjoyed his neighborhood Silverton friends. He is survived by his wife Jean, three children- David, (Vicente), Steven, (Cathy) and Debbie, (Roger) with six grandchildren:  Kurtis, Kris, Lydia, David, Jared, and Maxwell.  Also, the most recent first great grandchild, Ignacio James Errecart.

There is no graveside service, but his ashes will be buried with his parents in the family plot in the Exeter Memorial Cemetery. There will be a memorial service on August 26, 2021, 4 - 7pm at Bud and Jean's home (365 Tillicum Drive, Silverton, OR 97381) is the Silverton Open House Drop-In.  The Unger Funeral Chapel is assisting in Silverton services. Another celebration of his life will be held on August 27, 2021 at the Smith Family Chapel (505 E Pine Street, Exeter, CA 93221) at 4pm with Reception immediately following in the Exeter Courthouse Museum and Gallery.