Jim was born on January 17, 1942 in Titusville, PA to Walter and Twila (Hoover) Steele. Jim graduated from Punxsutawney Pennsylvania High School in 1959. Jim served his country in the United States Navy from 1960-1963. He married Shirley Schmid on October 26, 1963 at the First Methodist Church, Whitewater, WI. Jim worked for 41 years at the John Deere dealership in Janesville under four different owners. Jim started fixing things at a very young age and never stopped fixing things. He was a “Mister- Fix-It” person and could fix most anything. Jim was everyone’s go to person. He was a very talented man that people looked to for help. Jim also restored 5 different tractors and lined them up every summer on his front lawn. Jim and Shirley would love to travel to antique tractor shows and tractor pulls. In their earlier years, a lot of time was spent snowmobiling, boating, and fishing.
He is survived by Shirley, his wife of 55 years; Sister, Peggy Anthony, Rochester Mills, PA; Sisters-in-law Elaine Steele, Pat Schmid, and Marlene (Al) Duerst; He was a special and much loved uncle to his nieces and nephews Tim Anthony, Texas, Sarah Rising, Ed Anthony, Barbara Means, Pennsylvania; Robin Kirk, Steve Steele, Pennsylvania, Scott Steele, California, Linda Schmid, Indiana, David Schmid, Colorado, Randy Schmid, Eileen Schmid, Russ Schmid, and Debbie Johnson, Wisconsin, and Doug Abdeil, Australia, Melody Duerst, Melinda Hatteberg and Char Asperheim, Wisconsin. He was further survived by numerous family and friends.
A special recognition for Laura Johnson and Josh Haeft for all the help and support they have given.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers William and Robert Steele; Brother-in-law Clifford Anthony and Sister-in-law Mary Steele nephew Tommy Steele.
Per Jim’s request, there will not be any services. Burial will take place at a later date in the Richmond Cemetery.
The family would also like to thank the Hospice Team, especially Rachael and Heidi, for their special care.
The Nitardy Funeral Home, Whitewater, Wisconsin is assisting the family, www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
