Johnny served as a radio operator in the United States Navy in the South Pacific during WW2. After the war he found himself "roughnecking" in the oil fields of Texas. Using his G.I. Bill benefits, Johnny obtained his commercial pilot's and instructor's licenses, then purchased a Piper Cub and entered into the the crop dusting/flying business. Later in 1958, working as a corporate pilot, Johnny settled in Waco, Texas, with his wife, Adela, and four children.

Johnny's love for wildlife and the out-of-doors consumed his leisure hours. He began experimenting with all types of game calls until finally he designed his own and founded Johnny Stewart Game Calls. The business, now known as Johnny Stewart Wildlife Calls, has been manufacturing calls of all types since 1961, and carries two original patents. Along with newly captured sounds, recordings from Johnny Stewart's original collection of game sounds are included in the current JSWC Library of Sounds. His mouth-blown calls, tapes and electronic players are distributed by dealers throughout the nation.

Johnny Stewart passed away in October 1987 and Gerald Stewart, one of his sons, succeeded Johnny as President of JSWC. Gerald has been involved in the business the majority of his life, and worked closely with his father. Sharing his father's spirit, leadership, and passion, Gerald directed Johnny Stewart Wildlife Calls to grow and meet the needs of a new generation of outdoor enthusiasts.

One of the nation's oldest and respected manufacturers of wildlife calls and accessories, Johnny Stewart Wildlife Calls was sold to Hunter's Specialties in 1999, where it joined their line of high quality hunting accessories. Gerald continues to conduct research and development and promote the company's products.