James W. Steer

Family-Placed Obituary

JAMES W. STEER Veteran Entrepreneur Benefactor James W. Steer September 22, 1924 - December 2, 2008 Born in Walden, New York James W. Steer lived a long and full life. Although a very successful businessman and community leader, he always counted among his greatest accomplishments his children and grandchildren, and the charitable and educational foundations he set up. Jim proudly served in the US Navy from 1943 -1946 on the submarine USS Trutta in the Pacific during World War II. After obtaining a business degree from Syracuse University, Jim started Thruway Builders in post-war Buffalo. What began as a small store soon became a large enterprise with several branches under his skillful management. He was an active member of the community in Western New York in the 1950s and 1960s, participating in the Kiwanis club and Jr. Chamber of Commerce, as well as contributing to the urban renewal movement taking place in Buffalo at that time. In 1970, Jim began his second career as a hotelier and bought the 1776 resort hotel in Williamsburg, Va. He became a member of the Raleigh Tavern society and contributed to the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. He was once again successful in business and semi-retired to South Florida in the early 80s while continuing his hotel ventures in Vero Beach. He was an avid Bridge player, an amateur boat captain, and an experienced world traveler. Jim will always be remembered for his sharp intellect, his generosity as a provider, and as a loving and caring father and husband. He established multiple charitable, religious, and educational trusts that will benefit a wide variety of people and entities for generations to come. Jim is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Ruth, and six children: James W. Steer, Jr. (Crystal, Jamie, Justin, and Jessica) of Virginia Beach, VA, Jonathan Steer of San Diego, CA, Jacque Steer (Linda, Hailey, and Heather) of Ocala, FL, Janine Smith (Bruce, Sierra Nimtz, Kaben Nimtz, David, Alexandra, Molly Nimtz, and Casey Nimtz) of Milwaukee WI, Jocelyn Steer (Joseph Douat) of San Diego, CA and Johanna Ketron-Steer (Carmen and Joseph) of Williamsburg, VA. Also, survived by sister Eleanor Hill of Sterling Heights, MI and predeceased by a brother, Donald Steer. Services: A gathering will be held at Oak Harbor Club House on Saturday, December 6 at 11 AM. A mass and memorial service will be held at St. Bedes catholic church in Williamsburg this spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made to The Colonial Williamsburg Foundation, PO Box 1776 Williamsburg, Va 23187-1776 Attn: Paul Freiling. www.history.org/foundation/development. Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach, Florida. Condolences may be sent through www.seawindsfh.com/obit.php To express condolences and/or make donations Visit PalmBeachPost.com/obituaries