Heroes In Waiting is SO PROUD to honor our own real-life hero! Executive Director Jim Stewart was recently recognized with the inaugural “Second-Half Hero” award by the good folks at Second Half Expo, an annual event that honors seniors by serving up “everything for the 50+ generation.”

The selection committee says they were inspired by Jim’s remarkable story of resilience and triumph: From his winding path through substance abuse, to finding strength in his faith and in the love of his life, to tragically losing a son to suicide, to today standing at the helm of Heroes In Waiting, a non-profit organization dedicated to the mental wellness of kids. Second Half Expo was also won over (as we are!) by Jim’s heart for service – including past work with a foster care non-profit and 20 years of volunteer prison ministry – and the deep love he carries for his family, which he calls “his greatest joy.”

“Our son Marquise was special. He was a beautiful soul,” says Jim. “He gave his life to others, and we want to give our lives the same way he did. We’re giving our lives to kids in other communities, in other schools, and beyond.”

Jim was honored at the Second Half Expo on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, where he led an inspirational session reflecting on the five components of a successful second half of life: spiritual, social, physical, financial, and mental. At the conclusion, Second Half Expo’s Brett Bowden and Bob Loudermilk presented Jim with a generous $500 donation to Heroes In Waiting, and we couldn’t be more grateful.

“I am so delighted and humbled,” Jim says. “I’ll keep going, I’ll keep fighting, and I want you all to also.”