James Rich Steers (1808 – April 17, 1896) was an American yacht builder and politician. He was born in Plymouth, England. His father, Henry Steers, was connected to the Construction Department of the Royal Naval Dockyards at Plymouth until 1815. In 1829, he became superintendent of the ship building firm Smith & Dimon.
Between 1841 and 1850, Steers built many yachts well known in their day. In 1850, he and his brother formed the firm George & James R. Steers, with shipyards at the foot of East Twelfth Street, where the yacht America was built for John C. Stevens, Edward A. Stevens, George Schuyler, Hamilton Wilkes, and J. Beekman Finley.
James R. Steers retired from active business in 1857. He was a volunteer fireman, an active Mason, a Democrat, one time alderman of the Eleventh Ward, and later a Police Justice.
Steers was twice married. With his first wife, Miss Francis E. Hunt, they had four children: Henry Steers, James R. Steers, Jr., Daniel Steers, and Mrs Frederick E, Baker. Mrs. Steers died in 1870. In 1878, he married Miss Marion E. Walters who survived him.
James Rich Steers died on April 19, 1896. His funeral took place at the Trinity Protestant Episcopal Chapel, 15 West 20th Street, New York.[1]