James A. Steele

James was born to Luther and Pearl (Hughes) Steele on February 16, 1936 in Jackson County, Kentucky. He was an arc welder at Design and Manufacturing (D & M) starting his career in 1965. He retired in 1988 after 23 years of service. He was a member of the Deliverance Tabernacle Pentecostal Church, Everton Conservation Club and the Everton Coon Hunters Club. James was an accomplished coon hunter, winning many trophies and competitions. He also raised Walker coon dogs. He was a Harley Davidson enthusiast, and he spent many hours riding horses and camping in Kentucky with his wife Bonnie. He also enjoyed riding ATVs. His favorite past time by far, was spending time with his family whom he loved dearly. He will be deeply missed.

James is survived by his wife of 63 years, Bonnie Golay Steele whom he married on October 5, 1957 in Jellico Tennessee; 2 sons, Mike (Cindy) Steele of North Glenn, Colorado, Steve (Lora) Steele of Connersville; Two daughters, Darlene Lakes of McKee, Kentucky and his special daughter Bethann (significant other Gary Fragodt) Combs, of Citrus Springs, Florida; Daughter in-law: Jeannie Collins of Cambridge City; Two brothers, Clifton Steele and Finley Steele, both of Connersville; Grandchildren, Steven, Andy, Ashley, Melissa, Mandy, Jacob, Dustin, Rita, James, Desiree, Ben, B.J., Rusty, Jennifer and April; as well as many beloved great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. James was preceded in death by his parents; a son Donnie Steele; Two brothers, Leslie Steele and Virgil Steele; a sister, Veron Dunn, and two grandchildren Jake and Annie.

Pastor Merle Seeley of the Deliverance Tabernacle Pentecostal Church will conduct a funeral service at Showalter Blackwell Long Funeral Home, Myers Chapel in Connersville on Tuesday September 14, 2021 at 1:00 p.m. Friends may call from 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday until the time of the service. Burial will take place at Laurel North Cemetery. The family has requested that memorial contributions be sent to the American Heart Association.