James "Jim" Steffey

Master Sargeant James “Jim” Wendell Steffey James “Jim” Wendell Steffey, born on July 22, 1946, went to “forever look on Heaven’s scenes, to guard the streets with the United States Marines”, on Sunday, June 9, 2024. James was preceded in death by his parents; Nellie Casteel and George Steffey, Jr, a brother; Sam Steffey, his sister; Joella Steffey, a grandson; Christopher Steffey along with two infant twin sisters. He is survived by his wife; Tammie Steffey of Kingsport, stepsons; Nick (Kathy) Hamilton, Zackery (Terra) Hamilton, three step-grandchildren; Hannah Osborne and Jocelyn Osborne, Myla Grace Hamilton all of Kentucky, daughters; Angela (Russ) Lang of Kingsport, Amanda Colantonio of Greenville, SC, Jennifer Steffey of Beaufort, SC, son; Cary (Debra) Steffey of Kingsport, stepmother of 74 years; Nannie Steffey, brothers; Manuel (Carolyn) Steffey, Randall Steffey, Ron (Sue) Steffey, Charles Lester Steffey, sisters; Martha “Rosie” (Mike) Steffey-Pendley, all of Kingsport, Joyce Steffey-Pendergrass, N. Myrtle Beach, seven grandchildren; Ashton, Dominique, Elizabeth, Gabe, Iris, Josh, Reagan, four great-grandchildren; Cadence, Caytlin Marie, Camden and Cason James. James graduated from Holston High School, Blountville, TN in 1964 and joined the US Marine Corp shortly after. It was during the Vietnam Conflict. He served 22 years from 10-6-1964 to 10-31-1986, retiring as the rank of Master Sargeant, and was very proud of his service. During this time, he was a Drill Instructor at Paris Island, SC for 11 years and an Administrative Chief for 9 years at Albany, FA until his separation in 1986. During his term of duty, he received 7 Good Conduct Medals, a Meritorious Unit Commendation, a Navy Achievement Medal, and Meritorious Mast recognition. Afterwards he worked for several years in the Civil Service department working for service men and their families until he completed a second retirement. After retirement, James enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing with his brothers and grandson, riding his motorcycle, playing guitar and spending time with his wife Tammie. And he loved learning and researching Ancestry.com with his sister to find out more about his Native American roots in the Overhill Cherokee Nation of TN, between the Appalachian Mountains and Tennessee Valley. He enjoyed staying in touch with his family through Facebook and messenger posts, and especially learning about his grandchildren and great-grandchildren and their achievements, accomplishments, and seeing their pictures. He was especially proud of his grandson; Reagan Colantonio, who followed in his footsteps as a US Marine. “Semper Fi” James “Jim” 1 We salute you! If the Army and Navy ever look on Heaven’s Scenes, they will find you guarding the streets with the United States Marines! Funeral services will be held on Saturday at 1:00PM at the Hall & Jones Funeral Home with Old Regular Baptist Ministers officiating. Burial will follow in the Sexton Cemetery at Beefhide. Visitation will begin on Thursday after 6:00PM at the Pilgrim Rest Old Regular Baptist Church with nightly services beginning at 7:00PM. Services will be moved to the funeral home on Saturday at 10:00AM. Online condolences may be expressed at www.hallandjones.com

James "Jim" Steffey

July 22, 1946 - June 9, 2024