James H. Steele

James H. Steele, 83, of Ft. Myers Beach Florida, passed away from a sudden illness on May 15, 2025. He was born on January 6th, 1942, to James H. Steele Sr. and Margaret Steele in Anderson, Indiana.

Jim graduated in 1960 from Anderson High School where he acquired the nickname "Stainless," an apt description of his integrity, intelligence, and athleticism. Jim graduated from Purdue University in 1970 with a degree in Industrial Management and Statistics. He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and also served in the Army Reserves.

His financial advising career began at Anderson Banking Company as a Trust/Loan Officer. A long and distinguished career in public service followed as he became the Controller of the City of Anderson and the Executive Director of the Indiana Bond Bank. Jim served as the Controller of the City of Indianapolis and later as the CFO for the Indianapolis City-County Council. He was awarded the State of Indiana's highest award for service-the Sagamore of the Wabash.

Upon retirement, Jim split his time between Anderson and Fort Myers Beach, Florida, where he continued his public service for the town's government and was Treasurer of the Friends of the Mound House. On two separate occasions, Jim served as the interim Town Manager. He played many rounds of golf and continued to stay active and full of humor and kindness.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James H. Steele Sr. and Margaret Steele, and his sister Kathleen Atterholt.

He is survived by his twin sister Jeanne Jones (Larry) and his nieces and nephews Elizabeth (John) Connor, Andrew (Dara) Jones, Sarah (Brian) Logsdon, Jennifer (Michael) Papai, Perry (Becky) Atterholt and Jim (Brenda) Atterholt as well as his longtime companion Jackie Bredeson. He also has several great nieces and nephews.

A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025 from 1:00 P.M. to 4:00 P.M. at Bozell Funeral Homes, Brown-Butz-Diedring Chapel, 515 E. 53rd St., Anderson, IN, 46013. Memorial donations may be made to the American Legion, the Mound House in Ft. Myers Beach, or the Paramount Theater in Anderson.