James Harris Steele
October 17, 1924 to June 29, 2022
Obituary
Passed peacefully after a brief illness at the Health Sciences Centre on Wednesday, June 29th, 2022 in his 98th year.
Jim was predeceased by his wife Frances in 2012, brother Owen and wife Doreen, sister Isabelle and husband David Atkinson, and in-laws Olive and Harris Martin. Also predeceased by his niece Elizabeth Steele McCuaig and nephews Robert Steele and Hugh Atkinson.
Leaving to mourn: his daughter Heather (Fred Morrissey) of St. John’s and Calgary, his son David (Shirley) and grandsons James and Matthew Steele, all of Calgary. Also mourning are Jim’s niece, Robin Atkinson of Ottawa, niece in-law, Jane Smallwood Atkinson, nephews Peter (Ann) Steele of Florida, Geoff (Donna) Atkinson of Bay Roberts, Doug (Berni) Atkinson of Mount Pearl and Stephen (Jeanne) Martin of Nova Scotia, grand-nieces Stephanie (Daniel MacDonald) Atkinson, Susan (Jonathan Trincao) Atkinson, Jasmine Steele, Melissa (Blake Dingle) Atkinson and grand-nephews Jonathan (Stacey) Atkinson, David (Heather) Atkinson, Richard (Maggie) Atkinson and Zachary Steele. And last but not least his two great grand nephews Evan and Will Atkinson. Joining them are a large number of first cousins, friends and associates.
Jim lived at Tiffany Village in St. John’s for the past nine years enjoying chair yoga, bus outings, concerts, movies and “the food!!”. It was at Tiffany that he met Elmo (and Eleanor) Baird, a fellow WW2 Veteran. These two comrades enjoyed a great friendship.
The family would like to thank ALL of the staff at Tiffany as well, Dr. Amanda Coleman for their superlative care. Also sincere appreciation to Elizabeth Prince and Joan Coleman for their support and care over the years. We know Dad/Jim would like to remember his faithful friends Jim and Margaret Armour, Janet Calver and Brian Gamberg, Kath and Brian Kurio and Kay Scott.
Jim was born on October 17th, 1924 to James R. and Amy Stevenson Steele of St. John’s, younger brother to Owen and Isabelle. He was educated at Bishop Field, Holloway and Prince of Wales. A proud WW2 Veteran, Jim served as a Specialist in the British Royal Artillery and was posted to the 59th (NFLD) Heavy Regiment, fighting their way to Hamburg at Germany’s surrender. Returning to St. John’s at war’s end, Jim resumed his working life at the family firm of S. O. Steele and Sons, Water Street, retiring on April 1st, 1989 as Managing Director. A lifelong member of Queen’s Road-St. David’s Presbyterian Church, Jim was the Treasurer during the transition to St. David’s, Sunday School Superintendent and an Elder (from 1956 until his death). He had many community involvements. He was a keen gardener and wood worker and thus became a Friend of MUN Botanical Gardens, he was a member of the Wessex Society and a contributor to the Centre for Newfoundland Studies. His hobbies also included WW2 history and his membership in the International Churchill Society.
Cremation has taken place. The family will receive visitors at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road, on Tuesday, July 26 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held at St. David’s Presbyterian Church, 98 Elizabeth Avenue, on Wednesday, July 27 at 11 a.m.
Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to St. David’s Presbyterian Church. Thank you.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on July 26, 2022
7-9 p.m. on July 26, 2022
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
11:00am, Wednesday July 27th
St. David's Presbyterian
So sorry for the loss of your dear father and all the relatives who are missing him daily.. I worked at S. O..Steele and Sons in 1970. Mr. Steele was a quiet gentleman. who I totally respected.. May he rest in peace..
Hi Heather ,
Im sorry I do not get to funeral home or funeral tomorrow but I’m out in Grand Falls visiting my sister.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Blessings,
Barbara
Our deepest condolences to the family of Mr. Steele!
Dave and Heather, please accept my sincere condolences on the passing of your father. He made an enormous contribution to our community and was a true gentleman. See you next week at Carnell’s.
Hi Heather, I was saddened to hear about your Dad. He was a gentle, kind man who always had a smile even when he was worried over your Mom. I will always remember both your parents . Sending warm and comforting thoughts your way💞
Glenda Green
Heather, David and Family:
So sorry to learn of your father’s passing. Having grown up in St. David’s, your father (indeed, both your parents) were a constant in our lives as they were both always active and supportive in the life of St. David’s. In fact, your father was the elder I was paired with for my confirmation exercises oh so many years ago.. Later, when I would visit my mother at Tiffany Village, I would often run into your father and enjoy a brief chat. He was a true gentleman! Please accept our sincere condolences.
To the Steele family. Please accept my sincere condolences on the passine of your father. I had many chats with Mr. Steele in the years that I worked at Tiffany, he often attended our social Men’s club and was a kind and gentle man. Ray Dowden
To Heather, David and Family, Sorry to hear of your Fathers passing, I have many memories of him as a Family friend and at St David’s Church, A true Gentleman, Sincere Condolences 🙏
Heather and family , We were so saddened to hear of the passing of your dear father. He was such a lovely man, and a great neighbour.. I think of him every time our yellow lily blooms in the front garden – a slip he gave us soon after we moved into our home ..I always enjoyed my visits. with him as well. He had a long life, and served his community , and country well.
Sincerest condolences
Heather and John
Mr steel
I going to miss you so must
You Were a true friend to me
We had so must fun together
And I want to say good by
To my best friend
Sandra
Heather so sorry. To read this . Hope you are doing good.
Take care Dale
Condolences to the Steele family & friends, we had the pleasure to meet Mr.Steele & his daughter while he was in hospital. We will greatly remember his stories & friendliness.
To the Steele family, my sincere sympathy at this sad time. I’ve had wonderful chats with Mr. Steele when I visited my family members and dear friend at Tiffany the past 13 years. Mr. Steele was a real gentleman. RIP.
Heather and family of Mr Steele….so very sorry to learn of the passing of your sweet father! I got to know him very well while his darling wife was a resident of Agnes Pratt Home and I will never forget his tremendous love and dedication to her! He was a true gentleman and I’m sure you’re all grateful to have had him in your lives as long as you have!Hoping your wonderful memories will help through this sad time! Sincerely,Cathy Connors
To Heather, David and the Steele family, my sincere condolences on hearing of James’ passing. When I would visit Tiffany Village, I’d often run into James and we’d have a brief chat. As I got to know him better, I was very privileged to hear him talk of his wartime experiences, and was quite honoured when he asked me to help him arrange his wartime papers. James lived a full life of service to his country, the people of the province and to his church. Ubique, Stand Easy. Colonel Peter Williams (Retired)
We were neighbors of Mr. Steele for many years, he was a gentle, caring man. Our deepest condolences Heather to you and all the family.
To Heather and family, we are so saddened to hear about your dear father, and so happy to have witnessed the friendship blossom between our parents during their time together at Tiffany Village. It was a treat to see! From many years ago I also cherish many happy memories seeing your father at the S.O. Steele shop on Water Street. He will be missed. As a truly gentle man.
To Heather, David and all the Steeles, my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your father and grandfather. I always loved my chats with Mr. Steele when I visited Tiffany Village. A kind gentleman who will be missed by all. who knew him. May he rest in peace.
Heather , David and members of the Steele families, I would like to express my sincere sympathy at this very sad time. Jim was my neighbor at Tiffany and I will miss many chats and seeing him on our walks outdoors. You were sure to get a wave as he passed by, a true gentleman.
Heather, David and families…. We have fond memories of your grandmother and my Mom having afternoon tea at your house. Jim and I often spoke about it. As a teenager, it enjoyable to babysit you two. Our families go back a long way. Jim and Frances were such a lovely couple. Thinking of you at this sad time as you say goodbye to a real gentleman. Blessings!!