James Kenneth Steen

James Kenneth Steen, 82, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 17, 2023 at The Residence at Westport assisted living facility in Westport, CT, surrounded by loving care. Jim lived a full, creative and eventful life. He was successful in business, served his country in the U.S. Navy, raised a beautiful family, found great love, and remained actively engaged with his faith and his church community through all of the peaks and valleys of his life.

Jim was born in Whitehall, Wisconsin on November 17, 1940 to Paul and Dorothy (Solsrud) Steen. He was a graduate of Mooreland High School in Mooreland, IN (1958) and Bradley University in Peoria, IL (1962). He then attended the United States Navy Officer Candidate School in Newport, RI and graduated in October, 1962 as an Ensign in the United States Navy Reserve. He was assigned to the Destroyer USS Charles P. Cecil, and participated in the blockade of Cuba. Jim was later promoted to Lieutenant Junior Grade (“LTjg”) and was assigned to the Combat Information Center (“CIC”). He served his three-year tour of duty mostly in the Mediterranean, and was discharged in the Pentagon in late October, 1965.

Upon completion of his Navy service, Jim launched his career as a Staff Accountant at the Big Eight Accounting firm, Ernst & Ernst in Chicago, IL, followed by a role with the state of Illinois insurance department. He then served in senior level positions at Coopers & Lybrand (NYC), and Guy Carpenter (NYC). Jim later joined an investment firm specializing in insurance company transactions, eventually leaving to found his own insurance consulting business, Stony Creek Enterprises. He spent numerous years as a specialist with the Lloyd’s of London insurance market, becoming a frequent traveler to and from London. He brought home exciting tales of friendships, culture, and trips on the Concorde. Additionally, in the 1990s, Jim worked with his son, Ted to open and operate Bank Street Brewing Company in downtown Stamford for several years.

Jim married his first wife, Ellen Jane (McFadden) Steen in Chicago, IL in 1968. They had two children, Ted and Meredith, who they raised in Old Greenwich, CT, where they were active members of First Congregational Church.

Jim later joined Second Congregational Church in Greenwich, CT, where he served as a Deacon, Chair of Finance and Administration, member of the Endowment Committee, member of Church Council, and the man entrusted with getting the actual tent permit for Tent Weekend(!). Perhaps his favorite role was an enthusiastic member of Bible Study.

Jim was fortunate to find “the love of his life” Jerry (Snyder) Steen at a Greenwich Choral Society concert in 1995. They were married in 1997 during the Sunday morning service at Second Congregational Church. Jim and Jerry spent many happy years together, traveling and visiting with family and friends, creating delicious meals for dinner parties, holidays, barbecues and everything in between. They especially loved being around their precious grandchildren. They also lived up to their wedding vows and made plenty of lefse* (*IYNYK- If You’re Norwegian You Know!)

Jim has left a legacy of honor, integrity, generosity and compassion that will carry on in his family, friends and all those who have loved him. He will be remembered for his dapper appearance, always making a statement with his style and fashion. And, his sense of humor remained intact right into his final moments, always lifting spirits with his gentle smile and signature chuckle.

Jim is survived by his children: Ted Steen, wife Claudia, of Boulder, CO and Meredith (Steen) Lederer, husband Christopher, of Wilton, CT; two step-children: Julie Snyder Pildner, husband Phil, of Madison, CT and Kyle Snyder, wife Sandra, of Boulder, CO. Jim is also survived by his six beloved grandchildren: Sophia and Luce Steen, Michael Lederer, Gabrielle and Axl Pildner, and Samuel Snyder. Jim was predeceased by his parents and his sister Marilyn (Steen) Hendricks.

A special thank you to Sheraton Caregivers and The Residence at Westport for going above and beyond to provide Jim with loving care and support.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, May 20 at 2:00pm, at Second Congregational Church, 139 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT.