Rev. James J. (Jim) Steele, also known as Bro. Jim, Dad, Grandpa, Pa and Papa went home to be with the Lord at 2:14 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2023. He was born on July 21, 1937, in Akron Ohio to Margaret Julia Pahlan Steele and Robert Steele. He moved to Florida in 1950 and married the love of his life, Maedeen Pace in 1956. For a short period, they lived in Hollywood, Florida, then moved to Lake City, Florida. They were married for 49 years until Maedeen passed in 2005.

Jim retired from Lake Shore Hospital where he worked in the Engineering department for over 30 years. Jim was also a bi-vocational pastor. In 1973, at age 36, he became pastor of Hickory Baptist Church in Lake City, Florida where he served until 1979.

On February 17, 1979, at age 41, Bro. Jim, along with 19 others held the first church meeting of Huntsville Baptist Church with Jim as pastor. He served the Lord and the members of Huntsville faithfully for 44 years. During his 50 years as a pastor, he led many to the Lord.

Jim is proceeded in death by his parents, Robert and Margaret Pahlan Steele, his sisters Joanne Norris and Connie Arnold, a grandson, Bradley Skinner, and his precious wife Maedeen.

Jim is survived by one brother, Bob (Helen) Steele of South Carolina, his children James J. (Kathy) Steele, Jr., Mary (Wayne) Spurlock, Donnie Steele, and Brian (Ami) Steele. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Cheran (Jarrod) Burns, Joshua (Loren) Steele, Kyle Skinner, A.J. Skinner, Madison Skinner, Michael Skinner, Bre Paider, Lana (Wilson) Ulloa, and Parker Steele, as well as 15 great-grandchildren.

His greatest desire was for people to know the love of God and find a right relationship with his Savior, Jesus Christ.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, March 16, 2023, at 11:00 am at V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services Chapel with Pastor Michael Childs officiating. Interment will follow at Oak Grove Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at V. Todd Ferreira Funeral Services Parlor from 5-7pm. Arrangements are under the care and direction of FERREIRA FUNERAL SERVICES, 458 South Marion Avenue, Lake City, FL 32025, (386) 752-1234. Visit www.ferreirafuneralservices.com and to sign the family’s guest book.