He became the President of the Cleveland Division in 1933 and State Commissioner in 1937 after taking President-General Garvey's Course of African Philosophy and graduating with high honors.
As President-General, Stewart transferred the International Headquarters of the UNIA from New York to Cleveland and immediately launched a national speaking tour to inspire existing Divisions and create new ones.
In 1949, President-General Stewart successfully repatriated his family and other supporters to Liberia, officially establishing the International Headquarters of the UNIA-ACL on African soil.
[1] Stewart maintained and expanded the UNIA-ACL program and estate in Liberia, establishing a productive farm, restaurant, school, and hospital.
He was survived by his wife, Goldie Stewart, two sons, Victor and James Jr, and three daughters, Anita, Donna and Roberta.