James Steele

James Brian Steele, of Vicksburg, MI, formerly of Sarasota, FL, and Lansing, MI, passed away peacefully with his family by his side, on February 7, 2025, at the age of 69 at Rose Arbor Hospice. He was born on February 23, 1955, to Richard and Mary Steele in Lansing, MI.

Through the love, support, and dedication of his family, especially his mother and sister, James persevered to overcome many obstacles that life put in his way from birth. An unwavering optimist, James never complained about his disabilities. He continually strived to achieve and exceed in completing everything he set out to do. Every day he would say he was “perfect” or “fantastic” and that he “slept like a baby!”

In 1974 James graduated from Harry Hill High School in Lansing. He began his working career for Ingham Medical Hospital. When he moved to Sarasota, FL, in 1984, he worked for Sarasota Memorial Hospital. After moving back to Michigan in 2002, he became employed at and eventually retired from Meijer on Shaver Road in Portage in 2017. 

James loved spending time with his family and truly enjoyed all holidays, especially those where family traditions and family recipes were made and shared. He was an extremely kind, loving, devoted, and caring son, brother, uncle, and the ultimate great-uncle.

James was a history buff, genealogy enthusiast, Space/NASA admirer, avid artist, and pop culture superfan with a particular affinity for Star Trek and everything Harry Potter. 

He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Mary and Richard Steele; his brother, Larry Steele; and brother-in-law, Scott Wilson. He is survived by his brother, Edward (Ann) Steele; sister, Laurie Wilson; niece, Amy Steele; nephew, Mike (Lisa) Steele; nephew, Aaron (Angela) Wilson; nephew, Adam (Ezekiel) Wilson; and great-nieces and great-nephews Julia, Alana, and Trent Steele; and Alison, Andrew, and Abigail Wilson.

In lieu of flowers, his family is asking that donations be made in James’ name to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (AFTD), https://www.theaftd.org or a charity of your choice. 

In accordance with his wishes, cremation has taken place and James will be honored at a family gathering at the time of interment in Lansing, MI.

While visiting Jame’s webpage at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please sign the guestbook and/or share a memory with the family. 

The family is being assisted by Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Home; 409 S. Main Street Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269-649-1697).