Mr. James C. Steele

James Clyde Steele was the ninth of ten children born to Lottie Glaspie Steele and Lee Owen Steele on January 29, 1938 in Calhoun (Calhoun County), Mississippi. He departed this stage of his life on January 22, 2015 at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital. Both parents, as well as his siblings, Rubie Mae, Allie Rene, Clarence, Leroy and Robert Steele are also departed. James received his formal education in Madison County schools where he graduated from Denmark-West High School in 1956. He entered the United States Air Force the day following his graduation from high school. In fact, he was so eager to leave that he had on his traveling clothes under his graduation gown. TSG James C. Steele, USAF Retired, faithfully served his country for twenty-three years in various locations both in the United States and abroad. During that time he was awarded various medals and awards. He was an air traffic controller at the time of his honorable discharge. James accepted Christ into his life and was baptized into the East Jackson Church of Christ. He remained a faithful member serving as an usher, and any place else there was a need until his health began to decline. He extended his faith outside the walls of the church by leading a Bible study class in the neighborhood where he resided. The moral values by which James lived, along with the love, compassion, and sense of service he expressed so eloquently throughout his life form a lasting record worthy of admiration. James was united in holy matrimony to Corene Poe Steele for thirty-three years. He became the father to six children. Among those left to mourn and cherish a lifetime of beautiful memories are his wife, Corene Poe Steele; children: Nathan (Linda) Pride, Michael (Lynette) Johnson both of Jackson, TN, David (Jennie) Pride, Long Beach, CA, Lloyd Johnson, Jr., Savannah, TN, John (Deborah) Johnson and Lola Johnson Neal, both of Nashville, TN; siblings: Essie Mae Wilson, Levi (Dorothy) Steele both of Jackson, TN, Annie L. Hopgood of Chicago, IL, Shirley Lee Roseman, Cold Water, MS, and Alma Jean (Al) Harrilal of Atlanta, GA; sisters and brothers-in-law: Bobbie (Emmitt) Guess, Verneil Reed, both of Jackson, TN, Lucy Trice, Millington, TN, Drue Burton and Marie Guess, both of Los Angeles, CA, and Ouida Mensah of Murrieta, California. James, (affectionately called Paw Paw), also leaves eleven grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and a host of nieces and nephews. He was loved and will be missed by a multitude of extended family and friends.

Mr. James C. Steele

January 29, 1938 - January 22, 2015