James Edward Steiner

With gratitude for all he gave us, the family of James Steiner announces his passing on February 28, 2026, in Denver, Colorado. Jim was born on May 12, 1946, to John and Marie Steiner in Baltic, Ohio. He was a beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather, brother and friend whose life was marked by deep intellect, optimism, and an enduring ability to bring people together-often over a good glass of white wine.

While Jim achieved many academic and professional successes, it is his role within his family and circle of friends that they cherish most. His steadfast love for his wife, the mentorship he offered his children and students, and the impassioned debates and playful antics he shared with friends and family were all part of how he connected with and empowered others.

Jim had a remarkable ability to lead, simplify the complex, and offer advice on everything from economics to furnaces. He enjoyed lively conversation, a well-timed joke, and meaningful time with the people he loved.

In his later years, surrounded by family, friends, loyal Labrador retrievers Lucy and Daisy, and his favorite fishing spots along the Mohawk River, Jim often reflected on how much the people in his life meant to him. He expressed this the way he always had-by listening closely, showing genuine curiosity about others' lives, and offering help whenever he could. Jim's true superpower was bringing people from different families and backgrounds together and making them feel like one family. The world would be a gentler place with more people who loved the way he did.

Jim graduated from Georgetown University with a Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service and later earned a Master's and PhD degree in Economics. He joined the Navy in January 1965 and began his career at the Central Intelligence Agency in 1972, where he served until 2005.

During his first two decades at the CIA, Jim focused on Soviet defense economic issues. He rose through the analytic and management ranks, earning promotion to the Senior Intelligence Service in 1992. He later served at the Department of State as Special Advisor to the Ambassador-at-Large for Russia, providing daily intelligence briefings and support to the Deputy Secretary of State.

Returning to the CIA in 1996, Jim held several senior leadership roles, including Director of European Analysis, Executive Secretary, and Special Advisor to the Director of the CIA, Deputy Director of Crime and Narcotics, and Director of Transnational Issues. He completed his CIA career as Agency Officer in Residence at Georgetown University.

Upon retiring in 2005, Jim was awarded the CIA Distinguished Career Intelligence Medal. He then moved to Albany, NY, where he served as an intelligence advisor to the Director of the New York State Division of Homeland Security, consulted with the Department of Homeland Security's Chief Intelligence Officer, and taught at the University at Albany's Rockefeller College of Public Affairs and Policy. In 2014, he authored the textbook Homeland Security Intelligence.

In 2021, Jim retired to spend more time with his family and pursue his passion for bass fishing along the Mohawk River.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Lynne Anderson; his sons, Christiaan Greer (Emily Meisler) and Jonathon Steiner (Alexandra); his stepdaughter, Allison Wareham; his sisters, Sue Turner (Robert) and Chris Shea (Hank); and his cherished granddaughters, Layla Meisler, Cassidy Greer, and Finley Steiner.

A service celebrating Jim's life will be held on June 13, 2026, in Albany, NY.

While he will be deeply missed, his family encourages all who knew him to celebrate the many joyful memories he created. As Jim often said:

"We're off! said the bear to the monkey. We're off! said the monkey to the bear."