James Russel Steele, age 75, was born on February 26, 1951 in Toledo, Ohio. He passed away peacefully on October 29, 2026. He attended Nathan Hale and DeVilbiss High School and went on to work for Grimes Builders Supply and retired from Toledo Drywall Supply.

James was married for 54 years with his next door neighbor, Judy (Luce) Steele. Having a family was the most important highlight of his life. He had four children, Daniel, Stacy, Rebecca and Brian. He had 8 grandchildren, Austin, Darren, Tyler, Briana, Caitlyn, Madi, Jacob and Landen. He was also blessed with 3 great-grandchildren, Stella, Paisley and Cameron. He also had a huge, loving extended family of nieces and nephews with his sister, Judi (Junior) Thomas.

Who was James Steele? He was smart, loving, kind, funny, and one of the most giving individuals you would ever meet or lucky enough to have him in their life. He never passed on stopping to help someone. He was always the first person to say “Okay, what are we going to do…”.
He loved sports especially watching his New Jersey Devils and San Francisco 49ers. He loved country music, from Randy Travis to the Everly Brothers.

He always had an interest in anything related to the Titanic. His favorite television shows were Barney Miller, Andy Griffith, Cheers, Sanford and Son and Seinfeld. He loved watching National Lampoons Christmas Vacation and Its a Wonderful Life. Holidays were always special occasions.

He always ate as much as he could and still had room for dessert times two. "Do you have a Pepsi?" was something he said to everyone multiple times, but never got old. He had nicknames like Willie, Einstein and Rawhide … all inside jokes that will always make us smile.

Joe Bodai was his best friend from childhood and throughout his adult life. Through good times and bad times, Joe was always by his side. Everyone has a friend during each stage of life but only the lucky ones have the same friend in all stages of life.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Olive and Ned Steele. He is survived by his wife, Judy Steele; children, Daniel Steele, Stacy (Dan) Smith, Rebecca (Mark) Kelly, and Brian ( Janette) Steele; his grandchildren, Austin (Lyndsey) Kelly, Darren Smith, Tyler (Payton) Kelly, Briana (Scott) Steele, Caitlyn (Nicholas) Fuller, and Madi (Sam) Steele; his great-grandchildren, Stella Ranee, Paisley Jean, and Cameron James; his sister, Judi (Junior) Thomas and Dallas, with many loving nieces and nephews.

We would like to give thanks to the nurses and staff at Divine Rehab and Nursing for their excellent care. They opened up their hearts to “Mr. Steele” and it wasn’t just a job to them. "Thank You" to Sincere Hospice for everything. We will forever be grateful.

Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, 1:00-5:00 pm American Legion Post 620 W. Temperance Rd. Temperance, MI.

Rest easy Dad. We love you!