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James Steffy Obituary
Jim was involved with higher education for more than 40 years, including 26 years at Susquehanna University and 17 at Muhlenberg College, both of which later awarded him honorary doctoral degrees.
Joining the faculty at Susquehanna University in 1959, he attained the academic rank of Full Professor, was Chairman of the Music Department for 12 years, and served as Conductor of the university marching and symphonic bands. Jim later fulfilled roles as acting Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of Continuing Education, and Dean of Academic Services. During these years, he was also a guest conductor of high school and college festival bands.
Beginning in 1985, Jim served as Vice President for Planning and Administration at Muhlenberg College and was named Interim President during the 2002-2003 academic year.
In the 60's and 70's, Jim and his family enjoyed summers at New England Music Camp in Sidney, Maine, and Northeast Music Camp in Ware, Massachusetts, where he served as Band Director. He also ran Camp de Musique International in Switzerland in the summer of 1971, where he also acquired an Alpine Horn, bringing it back to the States to entertain family and friends.
Jim is survived by his wife of 49 years, Nancy (Klingensmith) Steffy, sister Sylvia (William) Van Arsdale, son James (Barbara) Steffy, son John (Barb) Steffy, daughter Susan Steffy, stepson Michael (Karen) Boltz, stepson Jeff (Peggy) Boltz, 8 grandchildren, and 3 great-grandchildren.
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Memories and Condolences
for James Steffy
Jamie Moyer
October 23, 2024
Mari Park
November 20, 2023
Dear Sue,
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
I am wishing you and your family courage and peace and hope your happy memories will help you through this difficult time.
Richard Karschner
November 6, 2023
This past Sunday, All Saint's Day, Pat Laughbach Hallman '66 and I played the second movement of Haydn's Trumpet Concerto as an offertory. Pat and I played it in my recital in 1965. At that time, Mr. Steffy wrote comments on my music. We are still reading his comments these many years later.
Undoubtedly, he was my most influential music teacher.
Richard Karschner '65
Sue and Bob Ritter
November 3, 2023
Nancy,
Deepest sympathy to and the family on the passing of Jim. Bob and I always enjoyed talking with him at our Discussion Group meetings.
Sue and Bob Ritter
Larry L. Eppley, S.U. '72
November 2, 2023
I first met Mr. Steffy (told him he will ALWAYS be "Mr. Steffy" to me!) in junior high, when he was the guest conductor for the Perry County (PA) Band Festival. He returned again in either my junior or senior year. Those experiences weighed heavily in my decision to become a music ed major at S.U. Ever the task master, his dedication to his students, as well as his musicianship, were always evident. He was able to get such great results conducting wind ensembles, with a sound I call the "Steffy sound" which is unlike what I often hear from wind ensembles. He was an accomplished educator, musician, conductor, and administrator. As Chairman of the Music Dept. at S.U., he helped make it a top notch music school, attracting excellent students and staff. In 1970 he decided to take the S.U. band and choir on a month long European Tour. What an experience for us able to attend. It truly was one of the highlights of my life. As a kid from semi-rural PA, I rarely traveled outside of PA. That tour began my lifelong interest in traveling. After seeing him again in 2011 at the S.U. Music Majors Reunion, we continued to keep in touch via email, vowing to met again, which alas never happened. I figured something was up since my emails were no longer answered, which in the past he was always prompt to do. My sincerest condolences to Nancy and his family, and I hope knowing how many of his students loved and respected him provides you with some comfort. So many great memories, may he rest in peace.
Robert LaBarca
November 2, 2023
How many of us are fortunate enough to have a true mentor in their lives? Besides my father, Jim Steffy filled that role in my life in a way for which I will always be grateful.
I remember when I first met him at my audition at Susquehanna University in the winter of 1974. The warm greeting and handshake, his unpretentious manner. I was comfortable immediately, and would say he was a primary difference maker in my decision to study music at SU.
As we got to know one another, we both realized we shared a common sense of humor and a love of music and low brass instruments. An episode I will always remember took place on the football field during a marching band practice. I had a propensity for screwing around at times out there and once, when Jim had had enough, he bellowed through his megaphone "LaBarca, I hope some day you have a junior high band and they're ALL OVER YOU"! Funny thing is, that actually came true for the first four years of my teaching career. I shared that with Jim after my first year, and I reminded him of the "curse" he had put on me on the marching field. He remembered the incident and actually felt badly about having said what he did. I just laughed and told him I probably deserved it!
He had an uncanny sense of the temper of the time which made him an invaluable member of the administrations of Susquehanna and later at Muhlenberg College. Many of us will remember a band rehearsal, which Jim started with the words "Women, have babies" - this in anticipation of a decline in population for the future demographic at SU. Later, when visiting him at Muhlenberg while playing under his baton in a large brass ensemble for candlelight services there, he shared with us the challenges of serving as interim president of Muhlenberg in a changing world in the early 2000's - which he navigated expertly, I'm certain.
In 1975, Jim convinced me to switch from playing the euphonium, which I had played since the 4th grade, to the trombone - a decision which has had a profound impact on my career and musical life to this day. For this, I will be eternally grateful.
The world has been a better place for Jim's time here, and there's no telling the impact he has had on countless lives. Rest in peace my friend and mentor. Nancy and family, you are in my prayers as you mourn his passing.
Bob LaBarca, Susquehanna University class of 1978
Barry Pell
November 2, 2023
I enjoyed many years of working with Jim at Muhlenberg College on its building projects. He was very understanding of the design, decision making and team building process. And a delight to interact with.
Parker D. Lerew
November 1, 2023
It was a long time ago but Mr. Steffy and Susquehanna U. was always in my memory. Our Bermudian Springs HS band was at a band day at a football game back in 1964. I don't remember any other particulars but I never forgot Director Steffy's name and friendliness from that one big day in Selinsgrove. The Steffy family and all others close to Mr. Steffy have my heartfelt sympathy.
Mike and Jane Bruckner
November 1, 2023
Nancy - our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family. Jim was such a great guy. He was one of the best things to happen to Muhlenberg college, and he certainly was very very good to us over the years. One of the really really good people.
Mike and Jane Bruckner
Lauren Greber Shanahan
November 1, 2023
Nancy and family -
I am so very sorry to hear of Jim's passing. He was such a special man, who impacted my life as both a student and employee at Muhlenberg. I feel so very fortunate to have known him and learned from him. He was always the epitome of a leader, mentor and gentleman. He will be remembered...and missed. I'm keeping you all in my prayers.
Karen Nobel Kupp
October 31, 2023
Jim Steffy was the music department chair and director of bands during my years ('67-71) at Susquehanna. He ran a tight ship which challenged each of us to become better musicians, better teachers, and better people. Under his leadership the concert band and choir embarked on the Euro '70 tour during the summer of 1970. That trip created so many wonderful memories to each participant! Jim Steffy will always hold a special place in his students' hearts.
Coleen Riley
October 31, 2023
Sue and family, my deepest condolences on the loss of your father. I remember him from Northeast Music Camp and what a wonderful man he was. May God watch over you all as you navigate the path ahead without him. You are in our hearts and prayers.
Doris Esslinger
October 31, 2023
Remembering Jim playing his Alpine Horn brings good memories.
Your former Moravian Village neighbor,
Doris Esslinger
Michael R. Trego
October 31, 2023
Having first met Dr. Steffy when I was in high school at a summer music camp at Susquehanna University, and realizing that we grew up in the same area, I was immediately impressed and enamored with him. I was certain that Susquehanna University was the place for me. I have never regretted this decision. My experiences involving Dr. Steffy will always be with me. One of the high points for me was the European tour that occurred while I was at SU...what an amazing experience! In addition to the amazing performance venues (Notre Dame Cathedral being one!), the trip involved some major weather issues, which Dr. Steffy dealt with unbelievable wisdom!
After graduation he invited me to perform several times for the candlelight services at Muhlenberg College with Dr. Steffy conducting the brass ensemble. Another amazing time!
A very proud moment of my life was becoming a member of the "Commonwealth Brass Quintet" of which Dr. Steffy was a founding member in 1981. I continue with this group for over 38 years.
As Jamie Moyer stated, Dr. Steffy was the very definition of leadership and commitment...all of us who were fortunate to study with him, learned from the very best.
My very sincere condolences to Nancy and family.
Greg Fox, Trustee Emeritus, Muhlenberg College
October 30, 2023
James Steffy made wonderful contributions to the well being of many throughout the years.
I remember him most for the superb job he did as Interim President of Muhlenberg College.
He entered the role at a time of great anxiety at Muhlenberg. He quieted the waters, restored the faith of students, faculty, administrators, and alumni in the stability of the College, and launched several new and important initiatives.
A man of great integrity and selfless devotion to others, James Steffy's legacy lives on. Sincere condolences to his family.
Rich Brueckner
October 30, 2023
I remember Jim as the consummate professional and a pleasure to work with when he was Vp for Planning and then Interim President at Muhlenberg College. He was respected by all at Muhlenberg- Faculty, Administration and Trustees. He will be remembered fondly and missed.
Patricia Sost alercia
October 30, 2023
I can't begin to share my many memories of Jim at Susquehanna. I can only say that he was a great man who taught me more than just music. A role model, a friend, he will be missed.
Virgnina Biniek
October 30, 2023
Always enjoyed Jim's leadership in the music department even though I was not a participant, just an audience. Connected with him again just a few years ago at a Muhlenberg event. It was great reminiscing with him about SU back in the '60's. May he rest in peace.
Jamie Moyer
October 30, 2023
Mr. Steffy was critical to my successful college career at Susquehanna. He was the definition of leadership and commitment to his students - not only at S.U. but lifelong. I, like hundreds of S.U. alums, consider him to have been one of the most influential people in my life. May he take his place in the heavenly band alongside the late Larry Cooper, another former Steffy student, and my H.S. band director. rIP Mr. Steffy.
Linda Ferraro
October 30, 2023
To Jim's family, My husband, Frank Ferraro, spoke about Jim many times. Jim was a find musician and teacher; and he reached out to many young musicians over the years as a teacher and conductor. Please accept my most sincere sympathy on your loss. Linda Ferraro
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