Steve was born on December 6, 1963 in Los Angeles, California, and was adopted and deeply loved by Patricia Whalen and Dean Jongewaard. He grew up in Huntington Beach and graduated from Fountain Valley High School where he played baseball and was later inducted into their Baseball Hall of Fame. He was signed by the Boston Red Sox out of high school and played in the minor leagues for the Red Sox, Cardinals, and Braves. Without spending a season out of baseball, he then followed his family legacy and spent 30 years as an award winning MLB Scout with the Braves, Mariners, and Phillies. When the game changed and he was forced to leave his passion behind, Steve overcame adversity and enthusiastically took on a second career as a Home Inspector. Steve excelled whenever he tried something new, and his work with Pillar to Post - The Capuano Team was no exception.

Steve was known as a reserved man, sometimes quiet, but those lucky enough to be close to him knew all about his matchless sense of humor, loyalty, and soulfulness. He was described as being a "quiet light" that was a gentle complement to his humility and kindness. Steve had a special knack for picking up new skills and doing them well, from home improvement projects to excelling in every athletic endeavor. Growing up in California gave him a passion for the ocean and the mountains. He loved outdoor adventures and travel but also loved to stay home, fine tuning his culinary skills while watching The Dan Patrick Show. More than anything, he loved his family. He was a devoted husband and father who took the greatest pleasure in spending time with his sons and supporting them in anything they were passionate about. A love for sports was shared between Jet and his boys but he was happiest watching them participate in the activities they loved.

Steve is the beloved husband of Melanie (nee Norman) Jongewaard; devoted father of Logan (Amy Kuptz) Romaine, R. Garrett Romaine and Cole Jet Jongewaard; cherished step-son of Annalee Jongewaard; dear son-in-law of Bobbie and Richard Norman; loving brother of Deann (George) Eller, Deena (the late Bob) Jones and Mark (Chris King) Jongewaard; step-brother of Karen (Frank) Kostrencich and Susie (Bobby Peddicord) Le May; and half brother of Charlie (Wendy) York and Peter (Allison) York. Steve is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews; he was preceded in death by his parents.

A visitation for Steve will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026 from 5 pm until time of Memorial Mass at 6 pm at the Chapel of the Holy Companions on the campus of St. Xavier High School (600 W. North Bend Rd.). Those who wish may send flowers or make a contribution in his memory to Blood Cancer United. Those wishing to attend the Memorial Mass via livestream may do so here: STEVEN "JET" JONGEWAARD

Blood Cancer United
Web: https://bloodcancerunited.org/get-involved/ways-to-give