- Visitation
Thursday, August 30, 2018
from 5:00 to 7:00 pm and
Friday, August 31, 2018
from 10:00 to 11:00 am
Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.
- Service
Friday, August 31, 2018
11:00 am
Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.
- Full Obituary
James Phillip Steele, was born on July 25, 1935 in Sumrall, MS. He was the third of eight children born to Morgan Adam and Jessie Mae Steele. He graduated from Central High School in Mobile, AL in 1954.
James joined the military at an early age and served in the United States Air Force for 26 years where he was stationed in Japan, the Phillipines, Alaska and many other bases in the US. He worked for II and III Star Generals where he received numerous awards and accolades for his outstanding service. In 1980 he retired from the Air Force with the rank of Senior Master Sergeant. After his retirement, James returned to college where he received a Master Degree in Education. James owned and managed property and he was known for his kindness, compassion, generosity and his great sense of humor. He was also an avid fisherman.
In 1960 James married the love of his life, Sylvia Thomas, and was blessed with two children, Rhonda Steele and Jason Steele. James loved his family and was always available to counsel, encourage and lavish praise on each one of them. James became a Christian at an early age and was told by many that he should become a Minister. He attended church at Scott Air Force Base as an active and faithful member until his illness prevented him from doing so.
James departed this life on Thursday, August 23, 2018. He was preceded in death by his parents, Morgan and Jessie Steele; son, Jason Steele; brothers, Richard and Benjamin Steele; sisters, Eloise Ridgeway, Callie Anderson and Betty Sylve.
He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife of 58 years Sylvia Steele; daughter, Rhonda Steele, Vista, CA; granddaughter Sonja Steele; grandsons, Nathaniel Woodard, Ryan Woodard and Kyle Floyd; sisters, Alice Fleishous, Yuma, AZ, and Doris Steele-Thomas, Hampton, GA; a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.
Visitation: Thursday, August 30, 2018, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm and Friday, August 31, 2018, from 10:00 to 11:00 am, at Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.
Funeral Service: Friday, August 31, 2018, 11:00 am, Meridith Funeral Home,
Lebanon, IL.
Interment: College Hill Cemetery, Lebanon, IL.
Meridith Funeral Home, Lebanon, IL.
