James Arnold Steele was born March 23, 1946 to Minister Archie and Sula Steele in Palmetto, Mississippi. He departed this life on Monday, March 11, 2024 at the Athens Rehabilitation Center,
Athens, Alabama. He was the youngest of nine children and grew up in Eustis, Florida. James was preceded in death by his parents (Archie and Sula); four brothers (Luther, JD, Joseph and David); two sisters (Crystal and Alice), and one son (James).
Soon after graduating from high school, James married his high school sweetheart, Myrtle Mosley. They were married for 55 years. To this union three children were born, James (deceased), Justin, and Joseph. He was drafted in the United States Army in 1966 and served for several years during the Vietnam War. James loved music and enjoyed playing in the military band.
After his draft period, he moved to Detroit, Michigan and worked for Ford Rouge Plant in Dearborn, Michigan. He was an Electrician by trade in the Apprenticeship Program for 43 years. James enjoyed daily walks and he always had a joyous spirit with lots of laughter. His family and friends will forever remember his deep love and devotion to everyone he met.
In 2009, James and his wife moved to Harvest, Alabama. They joined Indian Creek Primitive Baptist Church, under the leadership of Elder Timothy Rainey, where he served until his health declined.
He leaves to cherish his memories: a loving wife, Myrtle of Harvest, Alabama; two sons, Justin (Brittney) Steele of Temecula, California and Joseph Steele of The Colony, Texas; two grandchildren, Mia and Asia Steele of Temecula, California; two brothers, Moses Steele of Gary, Indiana and Raymond Steele of Mateno, Illinois; five sisters-in-law, Fannie (Bill) Jones of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Maggie Willette of Carmel, Indiana, Elizabeth Birdsong of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Rosemary Steele of Detroit, Michigan, and Geraldine Steele of Chicago, Illinois; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
The funeral service for Mr. James Arnold Steele will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Indian Creek Primitive Baptist Church (380 Indian Creek Road NW Huntsville, AL 35806) with Pastor Timothy Rainey officiating. Interment will be in the Oakwood Memorial Gardens. Mr. Steele will lie in repose one hour prior to funeral time.
Public viewing will be held from 12:00 noon until 6:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 19, 2024, and 8:30 until 9:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 20, 2024, at the Royal Funeral Home.
