James Steffey Obituary

Master Sergeant James (Jim) Wendell Steffey July 22, 1946- June 9, 2024

James (Jim) Wendell Steffey, born 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 is preceded in death by his parents, Nellie Casteel and George Steffey, Jr., a brother Sam Steffey, a sister Joella Steffey, a grandson Christopher Steffey, and 2 infant twin sisters.

He is survived by his wife, Tammie Steffey, of Kingsport; stepsons: Nick Hamilton (Kathy), Zachary (Terra) Hamilton, and three step-grandchildren: Hannah and Jocelyn Osborne, and Myla Grace Hamilton, all of Kentucky. Daughters: Angela Lang (Russ) of Kingsport, Amanda Colantonio, Greenville, SC, and Jennifer Steffey, Beaufort, SC and son, Cary Steffey (Debra), of Kingsport. Stepmother of 74 years: Nannie Steffey; brothers: Manuel Steffey (Carolyn), Randall Steffey, Ron Steffey (Sue), Charles Lester Steffey, sisters: Martha (Rosie) Steffey-Pendley (Mike) all of Kingsport, Joyce Steffey-Pendergrass, N. Myrtle Beach; seven grandchildren: Ashton, Dominique, Elizabeth, Gabe, Iris, Josh and Reagan; and four great-grandchildren: Cadence, Caytlin Marie, Camden, and Cason James.

James graduated from Holston High School, Blountville, TN in 1964 and joined the U.S. Marine Corps shortly after during the Vietnam Conflict. He served 22 years from 10/6/64 to 10/31/86, retiring at the rank of Master Sergeant, 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, Georgia 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, National Defense Service Medal, Expert Rifle Badge-7th Award, Sharpshooter Pistol and Rifle Badges. 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 signing 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 Tennessee 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)! 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!

Hall and Jones Funeral Home will be handling the services for the family. Receiving of Friends will be Thursday, June 13, at 6:00 pm, with the services beginning at 7:00 pm. The service will be officiated by Pilgrim Rest Old Regular Baptist Preachers. Burial will be at Sexton Cemetery, with graveside services on Saturday, June 15 at 1:00 pm.