James “Jim” Steel was born in Rhode Island and grew up in South Bend, Indiana. He attended Ball State University on a swimming scholarship. Jim moved to the North Shore of Cook County Minnesota in the 1970s, where he started his own business in forestry management. Later, Jim moved to Duluth, Minnesota, and attained degrees in Psychology and Sociology from the University of Superior-Wisconsin.
Jim was an incredible chef, friend, mentor, and student of life. Jim lived for deep conversations, loved being a father, and had a laugh you could hear from a mile away. He most recently worked at Proctor Public Schools and at The Other Place Bar & Grill, and will be greatly missed by all his friends and colleagues. Jim also served as a referee for local volleyball games, and treasured the friendships, coaching, and exchange of one-liners, as he called them, that occurred most evenings.
Jim is survived by his daughters, Gina (Frank) Courtois and Anna Steel, his seven beloved grandchildren, and his sister, Pamela Steel. Jim was preceded in death by his son, Christopher James Steel; his brother, Jeffrey Robert Steel, and his parents. Dad, you will be missed and in our hearts forever. A memorial service for Jim will be held at a later time, due to COVID-19 restrictions.
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