Date of Service:
March 27, 2026
Let the family know you care by sharing this tribute.
James Jeffrey Steinman, 72, of Vero Beach, Florida, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 11, after a long battle with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.
Jeff was born on December 11, 1953, in Logansport, Indiana. In 1981, he and his wife, Libby, made a big move to Vero Beach, Florida, where he built a life centered on family, education, and the sport he loved most—baseball.
From a young age, Jeff knew baseball would be a central part of his life. His first true love was the game, and he pursued that passion by earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Indiana State University. He went on to dedicate his career to education as a physical education teacher (Vero Beach Jr High, Oslo Middle, and Storm Grove Middle) and head baseball coach at Vero Beach High School 1988-2012, spending many years mentoring students and athletes. Through his coaching, he shaped the lives of countless young people, teaching not only the fundamentals of the game but also the values of teamwork, discipline, and perseverance.
Jeff was a devoted husband, a proud father, and a loving grandfather. Nothing brought him greater joy than supporting his family and spending time watching his grandchildren play the sports they loved, including baseball, softball, hockey, and golf.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Libby; his daughters, Carrie Eubanks (Kevin) and Gretchen Wright (Keith); his cherished grandchildren, Drew, Addison, Tyler, Brooklyn, Blake, Matthew, Katelyn, Megan; and sister, Beth Bulick.
Jeff will be remembered for his dedication to his faith, family, his passion for baseball, and the lasting impact he had on the many students and athletes he coached throughout his life.
The Memorial Service will be at First Methodist Church on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 11:00 a.m., with a celebration of life to follow at the Elks Lodge.
Arrangements are by Thomas S. Lowther Funeral Home & Crematory, Vero Beach.
© 2026 Lowther Funeral Home. All Rights Reserved.
Alyssa Krueger (Ledlow)
March 13, 2026, 8:51 pm
Mrs Steinman, Carrie, Gretchen and family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Coach Steinman. I feel fortunate to have many memories growing up, spending time at your house, and seeing him when he was a PE coach at Oslo Middle. Coach Steinman WAS VBHS Baseball! I hope the many memories you shared bring you comfort, and that knowing he is at peace brings you peace as well. My thoughts are with you all.
Joan Fox - Friend
March 13, 2026, 9:28 pm
So sorry.He was a lovely person.joan fox
George Young - Friend
March 13, 2026, 9:36 pm
So sorry for your loss. Jeff was a true legend and friend. I loved Coaching with him. I learned so much as a Coach from him and he’s up there in the Field of Dreams Coaching again.
Rhonda Peterson - teacher and coach colleague
March 13, 2026, 10:03 pm
Jeff was a colleague in the gym and on the sports fields we shared. He will be truly missed. “COACH P”
Patricia Carlsen - Friend
March 13, 2026, 10:20 pm
Dear Libby and Girls, my heartfelt condolences to you all. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers! Love, Pat
Doug Baker - Friend/Co-worker
March 13, 2026, 11:39 pm
Steinman family: Donna and I were sad to hear the news of Jeff’s passing. We had many great memories over the years which will endure. May the Lord give you peace that passes all understanding. RIP “Coach”
Liane McMullen - Friend
March 14, 2026, 12:52 am
You will be missed. Had many “debates” with you after games. Loved the banter back and forth. You were one of a kind. So much like a big brother. Feel blessed I got some family mentoring from you and Libby. I have so many memories- breakfast after church, coaches meetings at your house, Libby helping me as a young mom. Thank you for all the lessons and debates. FYI, I was right some of the time. Glad Indiana won!! They were due!!
Anonymous - Friend
March 14, 2026, 2:03 am
Beth, so sorry for the loss of your brother.
Peggy Jones - Friend/ colleague
March 14, 2026, 7:42 pm
Met Libby and Jeff in 1982 at VBJH. Love them and their girls. Jeff was a great guy to work with and he loved his baseball. I will miss him. He was a kind and gentle soul.
Gerry Steinhagen - Teammates
March 14, 2026, 8:59 pm
Libby, so sorry to hear about Jeff’s passing. He was one of my favorite buddies at Indiana State on the baseball team and we were in many of the same classes. Loved going to the Ballyhoo for fun times and that’s when I met you. I’ll be thinking of you and your wonderful family.
Becky Elmendorf - Wive's cousin
March 14, 2026, 10:24 pm
Libby, Carrie, and Gretchen, Please know that you and your families are so much in my heart now. I remember all the good times I’ve enjoyed with you and Jeff both in Florida and in Washington. You all will continue to live for him now, enjoying each other and all the experiences he would have had with you. I’m knowing he is being welcomed by so many in our family who are together in an even fuller life than we enjoy here. We will all be together again! Love you so much. Becky
Scott Adams - Friend
March 15, 2026, 5:47 am
So sorry for your loss Libby. Jeff was a great friend, teacher, and coach. What great times we had coaching against each other back in the good old days of Vero and Sebastian. I wish we had kept in contact after retirement. True midwestern Hoosier. The world was a better place thanks to him.
Jill Mingear - Teacher
March 15, 2026, 8:12 pm
Libby, I’m so sorry for the loss of Jeff. Please know you’re in my thoughts, and I’m holding you in my prayers during this difficult time.
Stan Watkins - friend
March 16, 2026, 5:12 am
Knew Jeff when we were growing up in Logan. He was always a fun loving boy. When I coached Babe Ruth baseball and he umpired Little League, he would help me decide which players to draft for my team. Last time I saw him, he drove out to see me in NY at the boys’ school where I worked. I’m sure he will be missed by and that he had an impact on many young lives.
Maggie Foreman - Friend
March 16, 2026, 12:52 pm
My condolences Libby on Jeff’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love, Maggie
Georgie Mock - High School Friend
March 16, 2026, 6:21 pm
I am sorry for your loss of such a wonderful guy. Jeff was a great person, always smiling, and friendly. May you find peace in your memories.
Pattie Brown - Friend
March 17, 2026, 12:26 pm
Libby I am so very sorry for the loss of your husband. I didn’t get a chance to know him but I came to love you deeply as a Christian friend through our class reunions. There are really no other words other than I know your deep Faith and God’s mercy will be with you always.
Nick Powell - friend
March 17, 2026, 12:51 pm
My deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Coach Steinman. He was two dons’ high school baseball coach as well as a trusted source for stories while I served as PJ sports editor in the mid 1980s. And I didn’t know until last week that Jeff is a Logansport native, like myself. R I P Coach.
Bill Wood - Former Oslo Middle School science teacher.
March 19, 2026, 2:27 pm
My sincere condolences to all of the Steinman family. Jeff had a positive impact on all of the kids he guided through life, coaching and teaching.
Gregory Horn - Teammate and Friend
March 22, 2026, 9:06 pm
What a great person, many good times at ISU on the baseball team ,the Bally and his time after graduation in Indiana. Familiar our prayers!
Michael Stutzke - Colleague
March 26, 2026, 5:37 pm
Jeff was a valued fellow educator and a very good coach. My deepest condolences are offered to his family. He was a true family man and will be missed. Jeff was a wonderful mentor to student athletes who were fortunate enough to call him “Coach”.
Eric J. Seymour - Friend
March 27, 2026, 2:47 pm
My heartfelt condolences to Libby and the entire Steinman family. I am deeply grateful for the work Jeff did with students; together, you have touched and uplifted so many lives in a truly meaningful way.
I had hoped to be with you today, but I was unable to attend. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you, and if there is anything I can do to support you, I am here without hesitation.
Sandy Hamrick - Friend
March 27, 2026, 4:25 pm
We are so sorry for the loss of Jeff. He was a wonderful human. Jeff and Libby were so helpful to our family. When my husband had a heart attack, Jeff and Libby were there to comfort and care for my son, until I could get back to town. We will forever be grateful for that. He was a wonderful coach to our son and a pivotal part of his chance to move forward in his baseball career. ❤️