Stephen K. James

IN REMEMBRANCE

Steven K. James, 80, passed away Tuesday, May 26, 2026 in Johnston, Iowa.

Steve James was born in Osceola, Iowa, on September 14, 1945, to Harold and Maxine (Umphress) James. Born prematurely and weighing just 4 pounds, 2 ounces, he overcame that small beginning quite well, as everyone who knew him can attest.

The family moved to Des Moines in 1947, settling at East 14th and Boyd in the neighborhood known as “Snooseville.” In 1950, they moved to 52nd and Douglas. Steve attended Moore Elementary School, Franklin Junior High School, Roosevelt High School, and later Drake University.

It was during high school that Steve discovered his talent and passion for sales. He sold advertising for the school newspaper and set a sales record that surpassed one previously held by Barry Pidgeon—a record that still stands today. He also worked at Badower’s clothing store, where he was “discovered” by Bert Critchett, who invited him to sell pianos. Bert was already familiar with Steve’s musical abilities, having heard him perform recitals at the original Critchett store on 14th and Forest. Steve had begun teaching piano in 1958 while still in the eighth grade and even held student recitals at the store.

In 1957, at the age of 12, Steve became the first and youngest non-collegiate organ student ever accepted at Drake University, where he studied under the late Dr. Russ Saunders. That same year, he entered the Piano Guild International Recording Contest and earned third place; the first-place winner was Van Cliburn. Steve began serving as a church organist in 1958 and continued playing for congregations throughout central Iowa until 1998.

Steve started his first musical combo in 1958 and continued performing with his own groups as well as regional and national bands well into the 1990s.

A diagnosis of arthritis in 1964 ended any possibility of a concert career. Combined with the untimely death of his father on December 28, 1964, this prompted Steve to reassess his future. He transferred from a music performance major to Music Education and eventually to Business Administration—a decision that proved ideal, as it led him into a highly successful career in the music industry, thanks in large part to opportunities provided by Badower’s and Bert Critchett.

A gifted and versatile musician, Steve played piano, organ, woodwinds, and percussion. He participated in the Roosevelt High School Band and Orchestra, earning a varsity letter in band. As a member of the Roosevelt Concert Chorus, he was selected to perform with the Iowa All-State Music Concert Chorus. At Drake University, he played in the Marching Band, Pep Band, and Concert Band. His studies included majors in piano and organ and minors in woodwinds and voice.

Steve’s musical tastes were broad and eclectic. One of his favorite artists was Roger Williams, whom he met in 1957 and with whom he maintained a lifelong friendship and correspondence. Other musicians he greatly admired included George Shearing, Stan Kenton, Woody Herman, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Jimmy Smith, Virgil Fox, Fred Swann, Richard “Groove” Holmes, Dave Brubeck, Mel Tormé, Lorin Hollander, Luciano Pavarotti, Roy Clark, Willie Nelson, and many of the folk artists of the 1960s.

In 1967, Steve enlisted in the United States Army and served as a medic during the Vietnam War. He was honorably discharged for medical reasons and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.

Steve’s career in the music business spanned several decades. He served as a salesman, sales manager, and owner for several prominent Midwestern dealerships, including Stoner’s, Critchett’s, and Acme Piano in Des Moines. He also worked for the Lowrey Organ Company and the Church Organ Division of Baldwin Piano & Organ Company. Through Lowrey’s sponsorship of the Jerry Lewis Telethon, Steve had the opportunity to travel extensively and provide musical accompaniment for notable entertainers including Henry Winkler, Ed McMahon, and Jerry Lewis.

His professional accomplishments brought numerous awards and honors, including membership in the Hammond Inner Circle, Aeolian Honor Society, Kimball Crest Club, Baldwin Inner Circle (Diamond Level), and Baldwin’s 100% Club, where he achieved Double Diamond status for both church organ and grand piano sales. As Regional Sales Manager for Baldwin’s Church Organ Division, he traveled throughout North America, calling on dealers, presenting concerts, and conducting organist clinics. In 1994, Baldwin named him its Man of the Year.

Steve’s greatest professional passion was church organs. He approached every installation with meticulous care, believing each instrument should serve as a lasting monument to the glory of worship and the purpose for which it was intended. During his career, he oversaw the installation of more than 4,000 church organs.

Teaching was another lifelong passion. Steve instructed hundreds of private students, many of whom went on to successful musical careers. He also taught group classes and, in 1964, founded the Adult Play for Fun program in Des Moines. He taught both privately and through dealership and public school programs, continuing his educational work until 1998.

A man of diverse interests and talents, Steve occasionally took “sabbaticals” from the music industry. During those periods, he sold Encyclopaedia Britannica, Lincoln and Chrysler automobiles, Yellow Pages advertising, church directories, furniture and appliances, fine jewelry, and eventually cemetery property for SCI Corporation. He remained with SCI until becoming disabled due to a longstanding back injury and hereditary health challenges.

In April 2015, Steve met a wonderful Russian woman with beautiful blue eyes at Dahl’s grocery store in Johnston. He invited her to Sunday dinner on April 26, and they were married on August 3, 2015. He often said, “God saved the best till last.” Their cremated remains will one day be inurned together in Russia.

Steve’s interests extended far beyond music. He was fascinated by history—particularly World War II—along with astronomy, philosophy, religion, and automobiles. Over the course of his life, he owned more than 38 cars and had a special affection for classic Studebakers. He was known for his trademark pipe and was an enthusiastic Green Bay Packers fan.

Steve was a member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels, Mensa, and Johnston American Legion Post 729, where he served as chaplain. He also belonged to AARP, the Smithsonian Institution, and Local 75 of the American Federation of Musicians. During the years he lived in Wichita, Kansas, he served on the board of the Unity Church there.

A lifelong man of faith, Steve was a member of the Presbyterian Church and an enthusiastic supporter of the Crystal Cathedral Ministry, where he held Eagle Club membership for several years. He shared this connection with his longtime friend Roger Williams, who was also a member of the congregation. Steve visited the Crystal Cathedral in Garden Grove, California, many times and was a patron of the Meier Welcome Center on the cathedral campus. The inscription “Mr. and Mrs. Steve James” appears on one of the memorial pillars there, an honor of which he was especially proud.

Steve also supported the Salvation Army, Hope Ministries in Des Moines, and the Disabled American Veterans (DAV). Less well known were his countless acts of generosity and charity. He never turned his back on someone in need and quietly helped many people throughout his life. His kindness, compassion, and willingness to serve others remain among the most enduring aspects of his legacy.

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