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.png) Obituary for James Lee Steele
In Loving Memory of James Lee Steele
(March 7, 1955 - November 13, 2023)
James (Jim) Lee Steele, born on March 7, 1955, in Minneapolis, MN, was adopted by Bill and Annette Steele and later gained a stepfather, John Pauluk. He grew up in Coon Rapids, MN, next door to his lifelong friend, Jerry. Jim graduated from Coon Rapids High School in the class of 1973.
Blessed with four sons and one daughter, Jim entered a new chapter of joy when he married the love of his life, Karen, on August 23, 1991, expanding his role to a proud father of 10 children! Together, Jim and Karen embarked on a journey through life filled with unyielding love and resilience. His joy in fatherhood extended not only to his own children but also to their spouses and his beloved grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Jim dedicated most of his career to commercial truck driving, known by the CB handle "Father Time." He was recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious 1 Million Mile Safe Driving Award, though his actual safe mileage far surpassed that mark, and he was a proud participant in the National Truck Driving Championships.
Jim enjoyed spending time with those he loved, and much of that time was devoted to hunting, snowmobiling, four-wheeling, camping, or just 'working' in the garage. He was also a former member of the Minnesota Memorial Riders Club and the Tribute to the Troops motorcycle club.
Jim will always be remembered for treating everyone as family, welcoming them with one of his legendary hugs. He was a man with countless far-fetched stories, an infectious warmth in his smile, and a laugh that could fill any room.
James is preceded in death by his parents, Bill and Annette Steele, John Pauluk; and granddaughter Deja Steele. He is survived by his wife, Karen Steele; children, Jamie (Diana) Steele, Chad (Linda) Steele, Jake Steele, Justin (Diane) Steele, Casey (Troy) Isaacson; stepchildren, Grant (Peany) Patton, Michele (Dan) Leach, Aaron (Shannon) Patton, Kari (Jayd) Terhell, and Angela (Ryan) Krantz; 25 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren; plus his loyal four-legged companion, Ozzy.
In celebrating the life of James Lee Steele, we remember and sincerely miss a man whose laughter, love, and larger-than-life personality touched the hearts of all who were fortunate enough to know him.
A Memorial Service for James Lee Steele will be held on Monday November 20th, 2023
Washburn-McReavy Funeral Services: 1827 Coon Rapids Blvd NW Minneapolis, MN 55433
10:00am-11:00am Visitation
11:00am Service
Reception to follow at the Coon Rapids VFW.
Memorial fund donations are appreciated in lieu of flowers. https://www.washburn-mcreavy.com/obituaries/James-Steele-29/#!/Obituary
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Mike Madden
In the winter of 8th grade, after a fresh snowfall, Jimmy used to tie a rope to his snowmobile and pull me and Steve McParland around on skies.
One weekend, we built a jump at the end of Steve's driveway on 106th Avenue. He would pull us down the street, and at just the right moment, we'd let go of the rope, veer up the driveway, and fly across the front yard.
We crashed quite a lot on landing. But that was always after we let go of the rope, so I guess you could add those snowmobile miles to his record of safe driving.
Glad to have known you James Steele,
Mike
Steph deCourcy
Remembering Jim from high school. Always welcoming and had such a warm smile. Godspeed Jim. Steph
Rob Vrabel
Hey Jim, I can't say that I knew you that well, but I do recognize you from your photo, and your expressiveness was unmistakable. I'm sad to see that another one of our '73 colleagues has passed,but this too is a part of life. All I can add is: Keep on Rockin on the other side!
Rob Vrabel
Mary Scherer (Malinak)
Jim was always willing to help a friend out. Here he is helping me move out of my parents home not long after graduation.