James Thomas Steffens

James T. Steffens, 84, of Bradenton, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 7, 2024, after a brief illness. Jim had been a long-time resident of Bradenton, FL. He was still active with his consulting business, The JTS Association, Inc., for fire and emergency service agencies.

Jim is survived by his two daughters Kristine DeJesus (Eduardo D.) and Kimberli Murphy (Mark). He was grandfather to Evelyn Maria DeJesus, Eduardo Nelo DeJesus, and Alexandro David DeJesus, and great-grandfather to Eduardo “Murdock” DeJesus, and Eulalia (Lily) Eevonne DeJesus.

Jim was born on November 24, 1939, in Bound Brook, New Jersey. He was the only child of Thomas George Steffens and Elsie (Taylor) Steffens. He graduated from Virginia Polytechnic Institute in 1963 with his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and a Master's degree in Urban and Regional Planning. From a young age, Jim's passion was the Fire Service and developing up-and-coming fire officers.

After graduating from Virginia Tech, he began a successful 20+ year career as an urban planner, first in the public sector, then as a consultant to local, regional and state agencies. Jim also was actively involved in community service; while working as a planner, he was a volunteer firefighter and officer in fire departments in both New Jersey and Florida.

In a Virginia Tech Alumni Profile, Jim said, “In 1982, I became a career fire chief in a special fire and rescue district (Oneco-Tallevast) in Manatee County, Florida. After a merger with an adjoining department our name was changed to the Southern Manatee Fire and Rescue District. I served in that capacity until 1992, when I retired and expanded my consulting operation for fire and emergency service agencies into a full time operation.”

Jim taught at the National Fire Academy in Emmitsburg, MD, focusing on the Executive Fire Officer and Management Science curricula. His professional interests included the development and delivery of both leadership and managerial programs for supervisors and managers, primarily in the public sector arena. He had the opportunity to develop and teach programs throughout the United States and internationally, specifically in New Zealand and Australia.

A memorial service will be hosted by the Southern Manatee Fire Rescue District on Friday, February 2, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. We will be gathering to remember and honor Jim with favorite memories, stories, laughter, and sorrow. Service will be held at the Southern Manatee Fire Rescue District Administration Building, 2451 Trailmate Dr., Sarasota, FL 34243.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The National Fallen Firefighter Memorial https://www.firehero.org/donate/ or to the Florida Fallen Firefighter Memorial https://fljointcouncil.org/