James Michael Steinhagen

James Michael Steinhagen (Jim) died on May 16, 2026 from pancreatic cancer. He had also been living with Parkinson's Disease. He was 69. Jim was the third child of seven and the oldest boy born to James and Jeanne Steinhagen in Minneapolis on August 26, 1956. He graduated from De La Salle High School and received a BA from Metro State University and an MA from St Mary's University. Jim's career in behavioral health spanned nearly 45 years, beginning at the age of 20 as a Unit Assistant at St Mary's Rehabilitation Center. From there, he would become a counselor at Parkview West and St. Mary's before leaving the country to consult in Sweden for 5 years. Upon his return, he joined Hazelden as the VP of Youth Services in Plymouth. In 2014, he was promoted to the VP of West Coast Services and Administrator of the Hazelden Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage, CA. He ended his career back in Plymouth as CEO of Missions Inc. Jim devoted his life to helping countless individuals and families suffering from the disease of addiction. His integrity, compassion, wisdom and loving counsel meant so much to so many. Jim and his wife Lynae were married in 2005 in Salzburg, Austria. They lived in Minneapolis, Cathedral City, CA and St. Paul over the ensuing years. They traveled extensively and had the pleasure of seeing much of the U.S. in their RV. Jim was an avid fisherman who was in his happiest of happy places on a lake casting (endlessly) for musky. It must also be said that he was very good at cribbage and had quite an excellent sense of humor. Jim is survived and dearly missed by Lynae, his siblings and their spouses Linda (Gary), Jane (Jim), Mary (Jim), Tom (Siri), Cathy, and John (Vickie) and their children and grandchildren, his maternal aunt and uncle Ruth Anne Claff and Michael Ladd, paternal aunt and uncle Phyllis and Tom Dosch, cousins and their spouses Therese (Ben), Jennifer (George), Rachelle (Dave), John (Danielle) and their children. He is also survived by his in-laws Jim Rice, Ann Rice, Lynette Rice, Michael Swander, Kat Swander and Louise Swander. He is preceded in death by his parents James Steinhagen and Jeanne Steinhagen, his first wife Suzan London, and his devoted Dad's Boys: Skippy, Shawn, Hobbs, Zeus, Ray, and Titmouse. Jim is also mourned and missed by many extended family members, former colleagues, friends and fellow travelers. He was beloved as a trusted confidante and mentor. Lynae is so grateful to the professionals at Minnesota Oncology for their care and especially to Jackie from Accent Hospice, who was her rock during Jim's final weeks. A public celebration of life will be held on June 9, 2026, from 11:00 - 1:00 at The American Swedish Institute, 2600 Park Avenue, Minneapolis. His burial will be private. If you feel inclined to honor Jim in some way, please consider a donation in his name to Missions Inc. He was enormously proud to end his career at an organization that provides critical care to folks who would otherwise go without.

James Michael Steinhagen

August 26, 1956 - May 16, 2026

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