Jim left this earth to join his heavenly father on Monday, October 12th, 2026 in the comfort of his home in his favorite recliner. He had his Bible by his side and the peace and love of Jesus Christ to guide and welcome him home.

Jim was born March 24th, 1948 to Raymond and Florence Steffes. Jim grew to be a large man in stature and personality. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing basketball and softball. However, from an early age, he knew his true passion was farming. One step bringing him closer to this calling was earning the FFA American Farmer Degree in 1968.

Jim loved being a good steward of his family’s farm, of which he was the fifth generation to tend to the same lands. He very proudly earned outstanding conservation farmer of the year in 1994. He was a farmer through and through following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps as a dairy farmer. Later in his agricultural career, he transitioned to raising beef and grain farming. Even while farming full-time, he found time to work at the Elizabeth sales barn assisting in the cattle sales ring. Jim loved every aspect of cattle and farming in general.

In 1991, Jim married the love of his life Mildred, who was his everything and more. Her strength and love helped him throughout his life to his very last day on earth. They have resided on the sesquicentennial (150 years) family farm ever since their marriage, leaving only to make lasting memories on family vacations. The two proudly raised their son Ben on that very farm, where Jim successfully taught and passed the love for the land and the family farm to his son. Jim was a great father and mentor over the years, answering to the name “Pops” with a smile!

Jim had a bit of a sweet tooth, and this is where Ben’s wife Danyel comes in. Jim loved everything she would bake and send home with him, truly everything. He felt very blessed to have Danyel as his daughter-in-law.

Jim’s true joy in life were his grandchildren. As much as he loved farming and sweet treats, he loved his grandkids even more. He was constantly saying his favorite people call him “Grandpa” and how proud he was of them while watching them in their many activities including volleyball, basketball, baseball, trap shooting, or celebrating a successful deer hunt with them at the family farm. Even more so, he enjoyed the simple things in life with them, such as playing cards, reading tractor books, being at church with them, watching them grow, and just sitting down to visit about their lives. His grandchildren were his world.

Jim was always up for a conversation with neighbors, friends, or family. He would often comment how when he was out on his walks along the road near the farm how much he enjoyed every chat or wave he would encounter. Jim enjoyed the many conversations and kindness he received from his cousin Robert Speer as well. Robert was like an extra son to Jim, and their relationship was treasured.

Jim leaves behind many family members, including stepchildren, step grandchildren, nephews, nieces, cousins and more. Jim was a dedicated member at Christ Lutheran church in Stockton. His faith was important to him. He was proceeded to God’s promised land by his parents Raymond and Florence Steffes.

Jim will be forever loved and missed by his wife Mildred, son Ben, daughter-in-law Danyel, granddaughter Izabella, grandson Cody, grandson Camren, and to many close friends and family members. Jim leaves behind a great legacy of a life well lived and memories with all that knew him. He is now enjoying the true peace of Jesus Christ our savior.

Per Jim’s wishes, cremation rights have been accorded and the family is having a private funeral service. Friends and family are invited to a Celebration of Life, which will be held at Woodbine Bend Golf Course from 1:00-4:00 PM on Saturday, October 17th, 2026.

A memorial fund has been established in Jim's name.