Steven Riley James

1948 ∼ 2025

Steven Riley James

Steven Riley James, 76, of Bridge City, Texas, passed away on February 17, 2025, at Harbor Hospice in Beaumont. 

Memorial services will be held at 6:00 p.m., Saturday, February 22, 2025, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City. Officiating will be Darrell Segura and Johnny Miller. 

Visitation will begin prior to the service at 5:00 p.m., February 22, 2025, at Claybar Funeral Home in Bridge City.

Born in Galveston, Texas, on November 24,1948, he was the son of O.T. James and Janiece (Thomason) James. Steven fought a courageous battle lasting over 30 years with multiple cancers, carcinoid syndrome, and multiple sclerosis. He graduated from Bridge City High School in 1968, and was a proud member of the state winning Bridge City Football Team in 1966. His professional career included working as a draftsman at Texaco and an electrician at Exxon Mobil, where he made many lasting memories and friendships, including meeting Petey at Texaco. In his leisure time, Steven enjoyed hobbies such as hunting, fishing, and gardening and lived a life full of memories and accomplishments. He had a deep love for his family. Steven, otherwise known as “Toe”, was very close with his nieces, nephews, grandchildren, as well as the Weber family. He shared 47 years of marriage with his wife Petey, creating a legacy that will be remembered fondly by all who knew him. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by those whose lives he touched. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, O.T. and Janiece James.

He is survived by his loving wife, Petey James; daughters, Emily James and Lauren James (husband Mason Kinto); brother, Brent James (wife Gale); sister, Cathy James; grandchildren, Mia Kinto and Max Kinto; mother-in-law, Mary Lou Thomas; numerous nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America at https://engage.mymsaa.org/, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at https://www.stjude.org/donate, or to the Cancer Research Institute at https://give.cancerresearch.org/site/Donation. 

Cremation will be held under the direction of Claybar Funeral Home in Orange. 

Memorial Video

Condolences

Dean Pierce October 21, 2025
Very sorry to hear of Steve’s passing. May he rest in peace. Went to business school with Steve in 1968 timeframe. Steve, Charles Leggett, danny Clark, Tommy Thornton and I all went to the school and shared an apartment with all of them. I traveled to Bridge City with Steve on a whim one night and visited his family and a girlfriend of Steves. Very nice people. Traveling back in my old 58 Chevy at night and we break down in the middle of nowhere. Happened to be a service station out in the middle of nowhere and miraculously scored an ancient car part which worked. Great memories. RIP Steve my friend.
Connie Ledger Chaplin February 28, 2025
Petey, I'm so sorry to of the loss of your husband thru our class page. My prayers are with you & your family for God's peace & comfort to be with each of you🙏♥️
Sue Schroeter Simpson February 28, 2025
Petey, I’m just finding out about Steve through our class site on Facebook. I will keep you and your family in prayer for y’all’s loss. ❤️
Thad, Marika and Brian Weber February 24, 2025
He welcomed me with open arms at the beach and I will never forget his kindness. Keep the faith.🙏
John and Faye Weber February 22, 2025
Steven was loved and admired for his attitude of living life to the fullest in spite of what he was handed by life. He will be missed! Praying for Petey and all who loved him.
Jerry Burd February 22, 2025
It is with great sadness to learn of the passing of Steven. He was a lifelong friend. He fought a long battle, but he is now in the presence of Our Lord Jesus made whole with no more suffering. My prayers to the family for peace and comfort in this difficult time.
Nick and Margaret James Botch February 22, 2025
So sorry to learn of Steven's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Willie Brown February 22, 2025
Steven a great friend who always displayed a genuine smile. His courage and character are virtues that were always motivational. I will miss his visits.
Champ & Bailey Roach February 22, 2025
Champ & Bailey Roach has purchased Blessed Patriot Spray for Steven James
Martin and Mary Castille February 21, 2025
My prayers to the family, James is gone from our sight, but never from our hearts. Rest in Gods love and peace my friend 🙏🏾
Kathy Wozencraft February 21, 2025
He was my hero 💕
Bill and Ellen Nickum & Staff February 21, 2025
Bill and Ellen Nickum & Staff has purchased Divine Peace for Steven James
Mary C. Morgan February 21, 2025
I remember Steven as being kind, thoughtful, funny and always with a smile and a positive perspective on life. He was always a joy to be around. Prayers for God’s peace to all who love him. Mary Chaney Morgan, class of ‘67.
Charles Miller February 20, 2025
Family, I am so sorry to hear about Steven, but the battle is done and won! He was such a kind, friendly and humble man. He was the same way in high school and throughout his life. He had such a sweet spirit, no matter what he was going through physically, mentally. The way he acted wasn't a show, it was who he was. I would run into him about town...well, Walmart, and we would visit for several minutes. It was never a hi and bye. I am so sorry to miss his celebration but I will be attending a family funeral in Tyler on Saturday. Petey, "May the Lord of Peace Himself give you peace in everything and in all ways." 2 Thess. 3:16 God bless you and your family as you walk these most difficult days. Charles Miller Class of 67
Vickie Dunbar Foreman February 20, 2025
Steven was a friend since high school. He was always upbeat and ready to visit and enjoy being with classmates. He was truly loved and will be missed immensely. Sincere condolences to Petey and his girls and family.
Darrell A. Segura February 20, 2025
Steven James was a great guy. We knew each other from First Grade to his passing. I don't believe I ever knew someone who didn't like Steven. Knowing the medical problems that he had also made him a tough guy. I never heard him complain or feel sorry for himself. Steven also had a caring and loving partner to ride with him through the years. Petey is also a tough person. I offer my condolences to his family. May God's peace be upon you.
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Services & Events

event Visitation

location_on 800 Highland Dr, Bridge City, 77611
directions Get Directions
schedule Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 5:00 PM – 6:00 PM

event Memorial Service

location_on 800 Highland Dr, Bridge City, 77611
directions Get Directions
schedule Saturday, February 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM