James Stepp

James "Bonzel" Stepp, age 70, of Erie, PA gained his wings on August 28,2024 Surrounded by his loved ones.He was born in Aliceville, Alabama on December 28,1953, to the late Tommie Lee Stepp and Stella Dancy-Stepp. James graduated from Tech Memorial High School and worked on the Railroad and Pyramid Industries for many years, James was ordained as a deacon at House of Prayer and was security at Victory Christian.
James was the "Daddy of all Daddies," He enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his children and grandkids, which he let everyone know "These are all Mines". He was a vibrant Washington Redskins fan and loved playing cards. He had a passion for cooking especially, being on the grill.
James had a smile that would light up any room. He had a special relationship and bond with each and every one of his grandchildren and always had a word of wisdom for his family and lived by the saying, "I'll killa brick and dare a rock to breathe about mines".
He was proceeded in death by both parents Tommie Lee Stepp and Stella Dancy- Stepp. 2 children; Talaya and James Stepp Jr. 3 sisters Lizzann Stepp-Crawford and her husband Charles. Yvonne Stepp-Roberts and her husband Lee, Diane Stepp-Royale. 2 brothers Thomas Stepp "Tudd", John Hancock, brother /cousin Danny Dancy. The mother of 4 of his children Carrie "Doreen"Thompson, Significant other Tanesha Harkless. 3 godsons Dana Flemings, Shawn Pennamon and Jeffrey Lomax.
He leaves to cherish his 5 beautiful daughters; Shawna Thompson-Zigler (Terrance), Rasheemah Thompson (Martel Hollingsworth), Anisa Johnson, Aleisha Jones and Marie Jenkins. 4 devoted sons; James (Heather) Thompson, Kareem (Natasha) Thompson, Robert Lofton and Shieed Stepp. 5 step kids Shaquila Harkless, Sincere Harkless, Aaron and Antwon Fields, and Tameka Toran. Bonus kids;
Kenneth Smith, Mario Johnson, Jimmee Mills Sr., Jo-Nalle Jones, Andre Atkinson, David McCray III, Tocarra Crosby, Albert Thigpen III and Andrika Harris. God kids whom he loved as his own, Ebony Flemings, Katrina Hall-House, Danielle Hall, Alan Hall, Ona Hammond, Shawntrel Crosby and Antwon Crosby and 5 sisters; Toni Arrington, Irvina Salter, Cynthia Williams, Joyce Arrington and Sherrell Ross all of Erie. 14 brothers T.L. Stepp, David Earl Stepp, Michael Stepp, Darnell Stepp, Thomas Hancock, James Hancock, Michael Arrington (Atlanta, GA), Marcus Williams. Jamal Williams, Quincy Williams, Kevin Williams, Carmen Williams, Michael Williams, and Elmer Williams. Favorite cousin; Barbara Younglas-Robison and Rose Stapp. Favorite nephews; Edward Thompson Sr., Lee Stepp, Barry Thompson, Bruce Thompson, Jerry Thompson and David Copeland. 42 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren. Favorite nieces; Lanisha Chimenti, Katrina Thompson and Angenique King. A host of nieces, nephews and cousins.
A public viewing will be held will be held at Victory Christian Center 1129 Pennsylvania Avenue 16503 on Friday, September 6,2024 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. A celebration of life service will be held Saturday, September 7, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Daryl Craig, Eulogizing. Interment will be Held at Erie Cemetery, Funeral arrangements are entrusted to House of Paradise Cremation & Funeral Services Inc.