Walter "Steve" Stevens James Jr.

Walter Stevens James Jr., known to many as Steve, of Snellville, Georgia, passed away peacefully on December 16, 2025, after years of living with Parkinson’s disease. He was born on November 21, 1954, in Tallahassee, Florida, to Walter and Rachel James.

Music was Steve’s greatest love and the heart of his life. Making music, playing music, and listening to music brought him deep joy and meaning. For many years, he shared that love through song as a devoted member of the choir at Lawrenceville First United Methodist Church and a horn player with the Gwinnett Community Band, where his voice and presence were a blessing to the community. Music remained his refuge, expression, and source of comfort throughout his life.

Steve was a proud graduate of Florida State University and a lifelong supporter of the Florida State Seminoles, cheering them on with unwavering loyalty. He retired after a long and meaningful career in education, having taught middle school at Southwestern Elementary School in Cordele, GA, and Sweetwater Middle School and Hull Middle School in Gwinnett County, where he was known for his patience, dedication, and genuine care for his students and colleagues.

Above all, Steve cherished his family. Steve was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Rachel James; his brother, Bill James; his sister, Janice Jowers; and his sister-in-law, Iloni Franz James. He is survived by his loving partner, Jeannine Beebe; his daughter, Susanna Chinaka (Chi); his sons, Thomas James (Jen) and Steven James (Rebecca); his step-daughter, Teresa Jannett (Thomas); his sisters, Judith James and Joneen Padgett; and his brother, Jeffrey James. He was a proud grandfather to 17 grandchildren, who brought him immeasurable joy.

Steve brought light and laughter to the world around him with his positive outlook, adventurous spirit, and vivid storytelling. His life was a testament to faith, perseverance, and the enduring power of music. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Visitation will be on Sunday, December 21, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00p.m. at Eternal Hills Funeral Home, 3594 Stone Mountain Hwy, Snellville, GA.

A Service of Remembrance will be on Monday, December 22, 2025, at Lawrenceville First United Methodist Church, 395 W. Crogan St., Lawrenceville, GA, at 11:00 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to the Lawrenceville First UMC Music Department.