He was the second of three children of John/Ray and Carlie Steele. His two brothers predeceased him: Charles (the late Imogene) and John/Jack (the late Georgia).
James worked with his father and brother on several farms in Tennessee and Kentucky while growing up. While in his teens he was employed by the Tennessee Valley Authority. He was drafted into the Army in 1945, when he was 18. Despite being in the Army, he spent most of his service on a ship, in CO A, 592nd EB SR. During his service he spent time in Hawaii, Japan, and Korea. He was honorably discharged on 12/31/1946, having the designation of technician 5th class.
James returned home in 1947. He then moved to Michigan. In 1949 he met his future father-in-law, Noble Boyd, who recommended an apartment in his building. James married Noble’s second daughter, Peggy Boyd in October, 1951. They were married 69.5 years, until her death, 10 days prior to his.
James and Peggy had three children, James B [JB} Steele, the late Paul W Steele (Mary), and Jenny Steele.
After working at several jobs, such as an ice cream factory, Ford, and GM, James began work at Chrysler’s Warren Stamping Plant. He, Peggy, and their first child moved into a newly constructed home near the factory in 1955, which they owned for 66 years.
James retired from Chrysler in 1987. He and Peggy bought some property and a house in rural Georgia. They spent the next 25 winters at their ‘farm’ outside Butler, GA. They greatly enjoyed the warmer winters and living in the country. They made many friends, especially at their church in Buena Vista. James enjoyed planting pine trees and exploring the small towns in the area.
As a young adult James became a member of the Church of Christ. He helped on the construction of the Center Line building, and also served as a Treasurer, Deacon, and Elder over the years. He collected Bibles and books about the Bible.
James enjoyed garage sales and growing black berries. He liked to work on cars. He was fond of bluegrass music. He was devoted to his wife, Peggy, and was understandably heartbroken when she died. James peacefully passed away in his sleep three days after his wife’s funeral. He is survived by his son James B. Steele, daughter Jenny Steele, and daughter-in-law Mary Steele. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews, and his cousin, Barbara Price (E.J.) and their family.
The family will be instate at 10:00am until time of funeral Service Thursday, May 20th at Parkview Church of Christ, 3333 E 13 Mile Road, in Warren, at 12:00pm. Burial to take place at White Chapel Memorial Park Cemetery in Troy.
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