STEELE, James Harris -- St. John's
Published: July 23, 2022
October 17, 1924 to June 29, 2022
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, and to Karen Crane. 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. To send a message of condolence please visit www.carnells.com