Tributes have been paid to a Dundee lecturer described as “one of the most generous people” you could hope to meet.
Dr James Stewart, known as Jim by friends and colleagues, taught at Dundee University’s English department for over 25 years.
His module classes would regularly have “twice” as many students on them as his colleagues’, such was Jim’s popularity throughout the university.
As well as being a respected poet and author, Jim’s area of expertise focused on the works of Virginia Woolf.
Dr Stewart had studied as an undergraduate at Dundee University, before coming back as a lecturer in the late 1980s.
He had recently written the Libretto – or story – for a new opera, and was able to watch a performance of it from his hospital bed shortly before he passed away.
Dr Chris Murray, who was taught by Jim as a student before becoming his colleague, said he was an inspiration to all of his students and had inspired him into becoming a lecturer.
“We had a meeting last week once the news of Jim’s passing had reached us,” he said.
“It was very emotional, with students, friends and colleagues all paying tribute to how much he meant to them.
“Jim had a teaching method that was almost conversational, but he always took such an interest in what people had to say and took what they said seriously.
“He was someone you could always go to for advice, professional or personal.
“He had an almost priestly manner, and you certainly felt like part of his flock.
“If it wasn’t for Jim, then I certainly would not be in the career I am in today.”
Mayra Crowe, who also worked with Jim in the English department, said he had retained his trademark humour until the very end.
She said: “Jim was someone who never lost his sense of humour. He helped so many people with so many things, he was so wise and kind.
“He truly was a magical person, what I will miss most is his laughter.”
Dr Keith Williams said he had some of the best conversations of his life with Jim, and that his loss would leave a huge hole right across Dundee.
He said: “He was a mainstay of the creative writing programme. Jim was a poet and a great lover of the natural world.
“His students would always produce their best work for him, because of the passion he put in to teaching them.”
His niece, Marilla Slogdell, said the family were taking great comfort hearing the wonderful tributes his friends and students had paid him.
“He was a Dundee man through and through, it really is lovely to see all of the very touching tributes people across the city have been paying.”
He passed away in the early hours of Friday morning, after a short illness at the age of 64.
