James Evert "Jim" Steen

James (Jim) Evert Steen, age 82, passed away on December 27, 2025, in the care of Birchview Memory Care in Sedro-Woolley, Washington.

Jim was born on August 26, 1943, in Seattle, Washington, to Anthon (Tony) Steen and Signa (Della) Hakala Steen. He spent his early childhood through fifth grade in West Seattle. At age 11, his family moved to the shores of Phantom Lake in Bellevue, where Jim spent countless hours fishing, swimming, and waterskiing with classmates, neighbors, and friends. That love of fun, adventure, and companionship became a defining part of who Jim was throughout his life. He rarely missed a party or an opportunity to join in and will be remembered for his joyful spirit and enthusiasm for life.

Jim graduated from Sammamish High School in 1961. He attended Central Washington University for three years before graduating from the University of Washington in 1965 with a business degree.

Before entering the United States Air Force in 1968, Jim married his wife, Lynn. Together they embraced a new lifestyle in Alaska, where Jim flourished in outdoor pursuits such as fishing and ice racing cars. It was there that his passion for car racing, especially Pontiacs was ignited. Jim was honorably discharged from the Air Force in 1972.

Following his military service, Jim joined the Office of the Inspector General, where he proudly held the title of Federal Agent. His work took him across the country, providing him with many experiences and lifelong friendships.

Jim was the proud father of one son, Ryan, with whom he shared many outdoor adventures. Their time together included trips to Vancouver Island, lake and saltwater fishing, camping, hunting, car shows, and car racing. Jim was especially proud when Ryan graduated from Washington State University with a degree in Criminal Justice.

Later in life, Jim moved to Concrete, Washington, where he embraced a slower pace of living. He enjoyed morning coffee and good conversations with neighbors and spent time in his large shop working on cars and hobbies. While there, Jim took responsibility for a group of feral cats, ensuring they had food and shelter and finding homes for those that could be tamed much to the tolerance of his dogs.

Eventually, Jim moved in with his niece, Carrie Holmes, and her daughters. There he found comfort and contentment in everyday activities such as collecting chicken eggs, feeding cows, and brushing horses. His beloved dogs joined him there as well. Jim was warmly included in family life soccer and basketball games, FFA and horse shows, barbecues with friends, and more. Friends of all ages knew and loved Jim as "Funkle," Carrie's affectionate nickname for her "funky uncle." Jim ALWAYS responded when she called him that.

He is survived by his brother, Gary (Diane); his son, Ryan (Leslie); grandsons, Jackson and Austin; niece, Carrie Holmes and family; nephew, Anthon Steen and family; and numerous relatives within the Finnish and Norwegian communities.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents.

Jim will be missed as a brother, a father, an uncle and a friend. He was laid to rest in the Greenhills Cemetery in Burlington, WA, near his mother and father.