Obituary of James John Steffens

Rev. James Steffens Sr., a longtime resident of Windham, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, January 9th. He was born in New Jersey, March 11, 1933, and grew up in Brooklyn. He was the son of Karl and Hilda Steffens. He attended Central Bible Institute in Springfield, MO where he graduated with a BA in Biblical studies. Among his activities there, he sang in the Revivaltime Choir, whose broadcasts could be heard around the world. He continued to use his beautiful tenor voice up until the day of his passing. It's also there where he met his wife Joan Thorsen. At the time of his passing they had been married 68 years. They eventually moved to E. Northport, NY where they built the E. Northport Gospel Church. "Pastor Jim" literally built that church, laying the bricks himself. He had no congregation at the time, but felt that the Lord had directed him to construct it, and that afterwards God would fill it with people. The church remains active and is an impactful part of the community to this day. Thousands of people passed through the church's doors and were touched and impacted by Pastor Jim and Joan's ministry. Beside pastoring, they administrated the Birchwood Assisted Living in E. Northport, a 100 bed facility begun by his parents, that also stands today and remains in operation. Pastor Jim was ordained with the Assemblies of God denomination, and beside pastoring, served for decades in state-wide leadership with the Royal Rangers, a boys camping program that is active around the world. He was also the state representative for years as the Men's Ministries director. Upon his "retirement", he pastored a number of churches on the mountain top for years, and loved spending time at all the establishments in Windham. He never met a person he didn't want to take time to speak with and tell his his many stories to. He loved to share the simple Gospel message of Jesus. Many were brought to Christ and lives were changed for eternity. He is proceeded in death by his parents, Karl & Hilda Steffens, two brothers Paul and Timothy, as well as daughter Cathy and son David. He is survived by his wife Joan, as well as son James II (Darla), son Scott (Debbie), daughter-in-law Susan, grandchildren Jason Parker, Tammy (Cory) Michaels, Sarah (Ralph) Christena, Joshua (Jaqueline) Steffens, Jonathan Steffens, Brittany (Skyler) Slafsky, Rachel (Daniel) Favio, Justin Parker, Jeremy Steffens, Hannah Steffens, Audrey (Austin) Wiseman, Margaret (Zachary) Holbrook, Levi Steffens, Abigail Steffens, and Lydia Steffens, as well as 10 great-grandchildren, Kayla, Hailey, Evan, Mia, Jacob, Chloe, Zoe, Rebekah, Rachel and Logan. There will be a short viewing at the Mitchel Hollow Church in Windham at 5 pm on Saturday January 13, with services immediately following at 6 pm and a light fellowship to follow at the church.