James Steele, Sr.

James Eugene Steele, Sr. (Kakie) passed away from a brain hemorrhage on Tuesday, June 1, 2022.

Born on September 25, 1943 in Mount Savage, he was the son of the late Herman Francis and Della Margaret Steele.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his dear “Uncle Buck” Ellsworth Frankenberry; his brothers, Walter (Pete) and Joseph (Butch) Steele; his adopted brother, John C. Faidley (Viet Nam); his in-laws, Ralph and Mary Lou Tharp; sister-in-law, Gertie Steele and brother-in-law Elwood Kirby.

Jim is survived by his true love and wife of 59 years, Mildred (Cookie) and their 5 children, James Jr. and wife Amanda K., Marsha and her cat Archie, Steven and wife Marilyn, Tammy and husband Jim Ashton, and Amanda Jane and husband Scott Sullivan.

He is also survived by 4 grandchildren that he loved equally, Dellana and Shane Thompson, Michael Williams and wife Rhonda, James Steele III and Hayden Sullivan. Jim took pride in his 3 beautiful great-granddaughters; Aaliyah Steele, Arya Thompson and Natalie Williams.

Also surviving are his siblings; Emma Kirby and George (Gummy) Steele; 2 very special nieces, Shawnee Talkington and Elizabeth Kirby; special aunt, Patsy Lewis; and his various rescue animals.

Jim was a 1962 graduate of Mount Savage School and a member of the St. Patrick’s Catholic Church. Jim retired from the grounds crew at Frostburg State University after many enjoyable years. He was previously employed by Roger Ritchie installing car washes, Ward P. Murray Excavation, DeHaven’s Tavern as a bartender and worked at the Celanese until its closing.

Inspired by his late brother-in-law, Robert L. Fraizer, Jim chose to have his body donated to the Living Legacy Foundation. His memorial service will be held at a date to be determined.

Memorial donations can be made in Jim’s name to the Shriner’s Children’s Fund at lovetotherescue.org or to the Ark of Hope Rescue (a no kill animal shelter) at arkofhoperescue.org

Durst Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.