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James Steele Obituary
Jim Steele died on Monday, November 28, 2011. He was preceded in death by parents Doris Steele Roots and Arthur Steele, sister Lois Shaw, and first wife Bernadine, mother of his three sons. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Gigi Hellman; sons Craig (Veronica), Darick (Sherri), granddaughters Alexis and Trystan, Shawn (Wendy); his other children, daughter Shelly Steele; sons, Scott Fernandez, Steve Woodcock, Jimmy Woodcock (Kris) and his namesake grandson Carson James; brothers Art, Neal (Char); along with many other Minnesota and Kansas City relatives and countless others who call him a friend.
Jim began his career as a teacher and was a life-long learner and educator. He was a pioneer in the Civil Rights Movement in Nacogdoches which led him to pursue his law degree. He was a champion of the Constitution, Equal Rights, defender of those less fortunate, and lived his life in the service of others. As an attorney, he never developed a billing system - he trusted that clients would pay him. Jim was a sentimental giant who cried at weddings, at the births of his grandchildren, who savored the successes of all of his children and was completely devoted to his wife. He enjoyed spirited debates, brain-teasers, and any type of competitive game. Jim lived a rich and full life, was supremely kind, and was the most genuinely good man that any of us will ever know. He was rewarded by the love, devotion and adoration of his entire family and family of friends and we will forever feel the loss of a truly great man.
In keeping with his constant pursuit of learning and education, Jim has asked that his body be donated to UTMB teaching facility for the study of others. His family extends their sincere thanks and gratitude to the team of nurses and doctors at Methodist Hospital's Cardiac ICU for their efforts and excellent care of Jim and for their gentle handling of his family in Jim's final days.
A memorial service will be held on Sat., Dec 10, 3-6pm at Bradshaw-Carter Memorial and Funeral Services, 1734 W Alabama. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the ACLU or charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Steele
Jorge A. Lupercio, Sr.
February 6, 2025
I did Mr. Steele's landscaping at his home in Montrose. He was a good man and he treated me and my son with respect. He would often take me out to eat and I very much enjoyed the time I spent with him.
Shelley Strack
December 29, 2011
Mr. Steele was my attorney, he really did a great job on my case and I am very grateful for the sweet deal he worked out for me. He was a fair and honest man and I am sorry he is not here anymore. My Condolences to his family and many friends. They don't make em like Jim anymore.
Scott Freudenburg
December 9, 2011
Mr. Steele was like a father to me. He always gave sound advice and comfort in times of need. I was fortunate to have been a part of his family as far back as 1976 when I met my best friend Craig Steele. My Condolences to the family and extended group of friends at this sad time. He will be missed.
Gary & Rosemary Smagiel
December 6, 2011
Words cannot express the sympathy we feel for you at this sorrowful time. Know that you are in our thoughts.Gigi after knowing you these past 55 or so years I know your strength will get you through this.
Cynthia Henley
December 4, 2011
As a fellow criminal defense lawyer, I often saw Jim around the courthouse. He was always calm and kind while seemingly respected by his clients and prosecutors. I am very touched by his decision to donate his body - I plan to do the same and whatever is not wanted, I want cremated so as not to waste precious land space or create a sad place where others feel compelled to go in order to connect to me. I did not know Jim that well but I feel connected to him now - a man who puts others first. I am very sorry for your loss. I hope you find comfort in knowing he was respected and his last act was so selfless. Peace.
December 4, 2011
All my condolences to the family and may Jim rest is peace.
Randall Kallinen
Tammy McMillan
December 3, 2011
Words cannot express the profound loss felt by Mr. Steele's passing. He was and will always be my hero but he was too modest a man for me to ever let him know. I have been blessed to know him and his family for so many years and my love goes out to them all.
Cynthia and Hugh Blake
December 3, 2011
My husband Hugh and I have been neighbors of Jim and GiGi for the last 8 years. It was obvious early on that they were a very special couple; committed to each other, their family and their community. We should all be so fortunate to positively impact the lives of others. Beautiful obituary for a beautiful life. Our condolences to GiGi and family.
Kelly Wright
December 2, 2011
Although I only knew him briefly, my life was touched by his wit, wisdom and great care for others.
Jesse Rios
December 1, 2011
I will miss seeing Jim at the Criminal Justice Center. I have been practicing law for the past 30 years & everyday I would see Jim working hard seeking a justice for his clients. I admired his consistency, discipline & tenacity in his practice of the law. He was a fine & well respected Attorney. My condolences to his friends and family.
Katherine Watkins
December 1, 2011
It can be so hard to face the new year without your loved one, but the love of family and friends can carry you through.
Marian McWhorter
December 1, 2011
Jim was my colleague at Houston Community College. I taught his loving wife Gigi. We shared our lives as we watched each other's children grow into wonderful adults. Jim was a gifted teacher, a brilliant attorney, a fierce defender of human rights, and a loyal friend to so many. He made me laugh and he made me think, and I cherished our friendship. I loved him and I will miss him terribly, but his strong spirit resides in all who knew him. I hope we will all honor Jim Steele by respecting the dignity of every human being, fighting tirelessly for human rights, and always finding humor in this crazy world we live in. I send my love to all of his family and huge circle of friends and admirers.
November 30, 2011
Jim Steele, he was very unique undividual and an extraordinary man. A very well respected attonery, whom I know has help those in needed. He enjoyed life with those closest to him and those a far. He will be missed, but loved and adored forever in our hearts and in our thought's always.
Ron Russell
November 30, 2011
You will be missed, a fine gentleman and scholar. Rest In Peace my friend, Ron R
Debra Catlett
November 30, 2011
Jim was a great man, excellent attorney and a true friend that will be deeply missed by all of us who had the honor to call him frieind. Griffs trivia night will not be the same.
Robin Garrison
November 30, 2011
I wish I had known this man!
Lisa Freudenburg
November 30, 2011
Jim Steele always treated people with respect...regardless of the circumstances under which he met them. He was an excellent defense attorney and I always felt confident when he was in court on my behalf. My husband grew up with Craig and Darick, and we have remained close to the family throughout the 25 years I've known them. I will forever miss his smile. Jim was a great dad, grandfather, friend, and attorney. The world was better off for knowing this fine gentleman. May he rest in piece...until we meet again! Love you Jim!
Rick Rousseau
November 30, 2011
I had the privilege of working with Jim Steele in my brother's law office while I was in law school in Houston. He was truly one of the last of the great white buffalos and I learned much from him.
Rick Rousseau
Colonel, U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps
Deputy Chair and Professor of Law
International Law Department
Center for Naval Warfare Studies
Naval War College
686 Cushing Rd.
Newport, RI 02841
401-841-6590
https://www.usnwc.edu/Academics/Faculty/Richard-Rousseau,-COL.aspx.
Arthur Corenblith
November 29, 2011
I grew up with Craig, Derrick, and Shawnie Steele. Mr. Steele was the coolest Dad I knew growing up. I remember stories about how when he was young and he did boxing Mrs. Steele would throw a heavy medicine ball at his stomach (while he was laying on the ground) to toughen him up. This was the ultimate macho, cool story to me back then. Mr. Steele was a great storyteller and he had a special laugh which all his sons inherited. I terribly regret that I did not get around to seeing him for quite sometime. It is totally my loss. My love to Craig, Derrick, and Shawnie -- you had an amazing Dad! I was so lucky to have known him.
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