Mr. James “Pappaw” Edward Steen, age 77, of Florence passed away on Sunday evening after a hard fought battle with liver cancer. He was born on August 27, 1940, to Henry and Wilma Alliston Steen. He attended Florence High School and graduated in 1960. He married the love of his life, Patsy Grubbs Steen, on February 24, 1963, and they were married 55 years.
He was in the National Guard from 1963 to 1969. He retired from Fountain Construction Company in 2005, and since then, he has spent his time attending his grandchildren’s sporting events, piano recitals and various school functions; working on projects with his sons, Ricky and Ken; and watching the martins fly over the farm.
He has always enjoyed being active and working outdoors. He loved to fish, hunt, play with guns, work his muscadine vines, tend to his garden, and relax in his swing under the Magnolia tree.
James’ father, Henry, was famous for his wooden shoe carvings, and James developed a knack of his own. He carved monkeys out of peach seeds and rocks. He also designed metal art: rings, pans, belt buckles, and could make anything from metal.
He was always willing to help friends and family with anything that he could. He was a man of impeccable character and integrity, greatly loved by family and respected by all who knew him.
James was preceded in death by his mother, Wilma Alliston Steen; his father, Henry M. Steen; and his infant sister, Edith Steen.
He is survived by his wife, Patsy Grubbs Steen of Florence; his two children, Ricky Steen of Pearl and Ken (Tracy) Steen of Florence; his five grandchildren: William Marshal Steen, Hannah Bailey Steen, Anna Grace Steen, Elizabeth Brooke Steen, and Caleb Thomas Steen; and his siblings: Evelyn (Floyd) Steen Brown of Purvis, MS; Melvin Steen of Florence; and Alton (Faye) Steen of Apison, TN.
Thanks to all the family and friends who supported our family during this time and a special thanks to Hospice Ministries for making Pappaw comfortable in his final days to his journey Home.
James was a loving husband, a devoted father, and a cherished Pappaw always serving others whenever they were in need.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, the Alzheimer’s Association, or Hospice Ministries of Ridgeland MS.
