James F. Steele

LCDR JAMES F. STEELE, 65, passed Tuesday, May 31, 2016. Born in Chamblee, Ga., he was the son of the late Norman and Mary Steele. He graduated from Snider High School in 1968, and earned a bachelors degree in biology at Purdue. In 1973, he earned his U.S. Navy commission and spent 20 years in the Navy as a decorated pilot before retiring in 1993. James later taught math and science at Fort Wayne Community Schools before returning to the air as a pilot for Lutheran Air and Presidential Airways. James is survived by his wife, Vicki (Dommer); his sons, Aaron (Carin) and Benjamin (Gretchen); five grandchildren, Elijah, Henry, Ruby, Ellis and August; brother, Norman (Mimi); and sister, Elizabeth. Service is 11 a.m. Saturday, June 4, 2016 at Trinity English Lutheran Church, 450 W. Washington Blvd. with visitation one hour prior. Visitation also from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 3, 2016 at Klaehn, Fahl & Melton Funeral Home, 420 W. Wayne St. Entombment will follow the service at Greenlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Trinity English Lutheran Youth Group, 450 W. Washington Blvd., Fort Wayne, IN 46902 or Saint John the Baptist School (Science Dept), 4525 Arlington Ave, Fort Wayne IN 46807.