DANVERS – Mr. James A. Steen, 85 of Danvers, beloved husband of Nancy (Homan) Steen, died Thursday, June 19th, 2024 at his home with his loving wife and daughter by his side.

Born in Ipswich, he was the son of the late Wilbur and Alma (Manzer) Steen. He was raised and educated in Wenham.

Mr. Steen began his professional career at the young age of 19, by joining the Plumbers and Pipefitters Union 138 in Salem. He worked professionally for 45 years until the time of his retirement in 2005. Following his retirement, he worked as a driver for Bay State Pallet for 7 years.

With an ever-present smile on his face and tool in his hand, James relished time spent in his garage tinkering or toiling in his garden. Over the years, he restored countless collectable automobiles, including a 1938 Ford Truck, "Woodie Wagon" and his pride and joy a 1978 Yellow Corvette. He also built a roadster, T-bucket from scratch.  There truly wasn't anything that James couldn't fix or build. Although not book educated, he was the smartest guy around. With an incredible mind on "How things worked" James was the definition of handy and always willing to lend a hand to help a neighbor or friend. He was out going, loved to chat and make a new friend and never missed a good meal. He loved to cook on his grill and share a good meal with his family and friends. He was a kind and loving man who had an innate ability to let things slide off his back while muttering his favorite saying "It is, what it is?" He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother and uncle who will be missed.

He was pre-deceased by his son, Randy James Steen and his daughter, Sheryl Mysliwy.

James is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Nancy (Homan) Steen of Danvers, his daughter, Jodie Steen of Danvers, his grandchildren, James Mysliwy and his companion Jennifer of Dunstable and Sean Mysliwy and his wife Alex of Dothan, Alabama, 6 great grandchildren, his son-in-law, Richard Mysliwy of Danvers and many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of Mary Ring, Rob­ert Steen, Linda Savory, Bar­bara Costa, and Janet Theri­ault. He was predeceased by his siblings David Steen, William Steen, Patricia Tougas, Margaret Gauthier, Alma "Sis" Steen, Elizabeth Razza, and Joanne Ishmael.

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral services will be privately held. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O'Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., (rte 62) DANVERS. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made in James' memory to Mass General Cancer Center Danvers, or to the Danvers People to People Food Pantry, P.O. Box 2076, Danvers, MA 01923. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com

Danvers People to People Food Pantry
P.O. Box 2076, Danvers MA 01923
Web: https://www.danverscommunitycouncil.com/

Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center - Danvers
Web: https://giving.massgeneral.org/donate/cancer-center