James "Jim" Van Steensburg

James “Jim” Van Steensburg, age 76, born July 3, 1945, passed away on Saturday, January 8, 2022.

James was a native of Stoneham, Massachusetts and longtime resident of Gulfport, MS. He honorably served his country in the US Navy for 20 years. His tour of duty was the Vietnam War where he was a diesel engineman mechanic. In his younger days, James was a Golden Globe boxer who later coached boxing in the US Navy.

James loved hanging out with his Waffle House family #757 where his favorite food was a small order of hashbrowns, lots of onions, lemonade and coffee and playing a good game of Sudoko. James was known for his kind heart and big smile.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Isabel and Leo Irving Van Steensburg; his wife Patricia Van Steensburg; granddaughter Tara Van Steensburg Davis; and his brother Gerard Van Steensburg.

James is survived by his children Thomas, John and Sara Van Steensburg; daughter-in-law Zenna Van Steensburg; grandchildren Thomas, Jr., Jacob and Connor Ray Van Steensburg; three great grandchildren, Lana Dee Davis; Harley Davis and James Ray Van Steensburg. He is also survived by his loving siblings, Edward, Catherine and Carol Van Steensburg.

A graveside memorial service with full military honors will be held Friday, January 14, 2022 at 1:30 p.m. at Biloxi National Cemetery, 400 Veterans Avenue, Biloxi, MS 39531. Chaplain Cindy Ward will officiate the service.

Bradford O’Keefe Funeral Home is honored to serve the Van Steensburg family.