Obituary of James Steele
STEELE, James "Jim" Douglas Elliott - A resident of Chatham, Jim Steele passed away peacefully in the early morning of Sunday, February 24th, 2019 after a stoic battle with leukemia. He was surrounded by his loving wife, children and other family members.
Born in Sudbury on September 6, 1944, Jim was the son of the late Walter Erwin Steele & Frances Ann (nee Elliott). He will be remembered always by his loving wife of 50 beautiful years, Lillian (nee Perna); his children, Edwin Steele (Allison) and Carla Steele (Robert Pestrin); his grandchildren, Ethan and Norah; his sisters Edith (Juris) Svistunenko and Mary Lou (Kenneth) Chisholm; his brother Robert (Mimi) Steele; his sister-in-law Angela Perna (Felice, deceased); as well as his extended family.
Pre-deceased by his brother-in-law Mike Perna (Giulia). Jim was a proud member of the Todgham & Case “family.” His legacy lives on in the many bridges and buildings he engineered in Chatham-Kent, including the Civic Centre, the Police Station and the Capitol Theatre, all in downtown Chatham. He was most proud of the Kent Bridge project. Jim was committed to serving his community. He was a member of the Rotary Club of Chatham Sunrise, and counted many friends amongst the members of the Rotary Clubs of Chatham. He was also a past member of the Chamber of Commerce. He enjoyed golfing and curling, and was very involved in the Chatham Curling Club.
A Private Family Funeral will take place. The Celebration of his Life will be held at the Chatham Capitol Theatre, Rotary Room, 283 King Street, Chatham on Thursday March 21, 2019 from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. During refreshments you are encouraged to share your stories of Jim with those in attendance.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Foundation of Chatham-Kent Health Alliance or the Rotary Club of Chatham Sunrise. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com.
McKinlay Funeral Home
459 St. Clair Street, Chatham
519-351-2040
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