In Loving Memory of James Owen Steele
Beloved Husband, Father, “Papa,” Son, Brother, Friend, Companion, and Citizen of Humanity
It is with deep and abiding sorrow that we announce the passing of James Owen Steele-known lovingly as Jim-a man whose life was defined by integrity, kindness, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. Jim departed this life too soon, leaving behind the enduring love he nurtured in all who knew him. Though he has left this world, his spirit remains a guiding light in the hearts of those fortunate enough to have shared in his journey.
Jim was a devoted son and brother, whose early years were shaped by a close-knit family and a deep appreciation for honesty, responsibility, hard work, perseverance, and the healing power of laughter.
Born in Battle Creek, Michigan, to Sue and Stanley Steele, Jim was the eldest of four brothers-John, Joe, and Jeff. He fondly recalled helping his father build their family home, an experience that sparked his lifelong handiness and work ethic. Jim was always there for his mother, especially after the death of his father Stan, and later after his brother Joe passed away. He always looked out for his younger brothers and, later in life, welcomed his stepbrother Chris and stepfather Mike into that circle of care. This kind of steadfast family love defined Jim’s life.
From a young age, Jim exhibited an insatiable curiosity about the world. Whether solving a problem, exploring a new idea, or tackling a challenge, he approached each with determination and purpose. He believed in doing things right, doing them fully, and doing them with heart-and he carried that belief into every chapter of his life.
After graduating from Bellevue High School and Western Michigan University, Jim began his career at Kellogg. He married Rebecca Steele and became a proud stepfather to Dannie. His professional life was marked by a long and fruitful career in technology, but he also made time for the things he loved-boating, cycling, traveling, restoring his 1972 Corvette, and later, mastering the Big Green Egg.
Above all else, Jim was a devoted family man. For over 33 years, he shared a beautiful, enduring marriage with his beloved wife, Rebecca. Their relationship, grounded in mutual respect and deep love, weathered life’s challenges and celebrated its joys. Together, they found adventure and delight in everything-from hosting family gatherings to searching for the best ice cream in Southwest Michigan or wintering in Florida. Everything they did was infused with laughter and love.
Jim also embraced his role as a stepfather to Dannie with grace, humor, and warmth. He offered unwavering support and wisdom, whether helping her tackle math problems, sneaking her raw cookie dough while Becky was on the phone, or running alongside her through the ups and downs of life. His everyday actions taught love, patience, tenacity, and compassion.
To his grandchildren, Maxwell and Valentina, he was simply “Papa”-a source of joy, knowledge, and unwavering affection. At “Camp Cookie Papa,” he delighted in creating magical moments: building with Legos, exploring the woods, baking cookies, or teaching them how to drive the boat. He listened with genuine interest to their stories and ideas, always encouraging them to dream big and pursue their passions.
Jim was a truly good man-thoughtful to his core. He remembered birthdays, showed up when it mattered, and made others feel truly heard. He expressed his love in quiet, consistent ways: fixing things before they were noticed, checking in just because, offering his strength without ever asking for anything in return. He always gave thanks for kindness shown to him.
He made an impression on everyone he met-not by trying to stand out, but by being exactly who he was: humble, kind, thoughtful, and deeply compassionate. A true citizen of humanity, Jim believed in fairness, decency, and the quiet power of doing what’s right.
The loss of Jim leaves a space that cannot be filled, but his presence lives on in the stories we share, the lessons he taught us, and the love he gave so freely. He will be missed deeply, spoken of often, and remembered always-not just as someone who lived a good life, but as someone who made the lives of others better simply by being in them.
We grieve his absence, but we celebrate his legacy. Jim was-and will always remain-part of our hearts.
Jim is survived by his mother, Sue Hack and stepfather, Mike Hack; brothers, John and Jeff (Trish) Steele; nephew, Joey Steele; stepdaughter, Danielle (Michael) Aschenbrener; cherished grandchildren, Maxwell and Valentina Aschenbrener and stepbrother, Chris Hack.
He is preceded in death by his father, Stanley Steele, brother, Joseph Steele and beloved wife, Rebecca Steele.
Family and friends are invited to a Celebration of Life Gathering on Saturday, May 10, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Adams Funeral Home, 502 W. Michigan Avenue, Paw Paw. Speakers are invited to share a brief story to celebrate Jim at 2:00 p.m.
Jim was laid to rest next to his wife, Rebecca, at Hope Cemetery in Kalamazoo.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:
Alzheimer’s Research Foundation
Glioblastoma Research Organization
MAKE A DONATION TO ONE OF THE FOLLOWING CHARITIES IN REMEMBRANCE OF JAMES “JIM” OWEN STEELE
Alzheimer’s Association
SERVICE SCHEDULE
UPCOMING SERVICES
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Saturday, May 10, 2025
1:00 – 3:00 pm (Eastern time)
Adams Funeral Home
502 W Michigan Ave
Paw Paw, MI 49079
Posted On: Monday, April 21, 2025 11:43 AM
