James "Jim" Eugene Steele, 81, of International Falls, Minnesota passed away Friday, May 25, 2018 at his home surrounded by loved ones.

He was born June 18, 1936, in Swift, Minnesota to Joseph and Nellie (Servis) Steele.

Jim was united in marriage to LaVerne Kelly on December 22, 1955, in International Falls. Jim and Laverne were happily married for 62 years. He worked at Boise Cascade as a Forklift Operator for 40 years until his retirement in 1994.

Jim was passionate about his music; there wasn't a day that went by without hearing music playing from the music room.  He enjoyed making people laugh, you never knew what was going to come out of his mouth. He was always willing to help others in any way that he could. He had hard candy in his pocket at all times and he enjoyed spending time with his family.

Jim is survived by his wife, LaVerne, and their children: Randy (Mary) Steele, Charlotte (Ron) Ruelle, Eugene (Becki) Steele, Kelly Steele (Heidi Cutrer), and Tim Anderson; grandchildren: Chad (Tina) Besch, Mindy (David) Nguyen, Tracy (Derek) Lunser, JoDell Edens, Jayme (Jennessa) Steele, Jenna Steele, and Justin Cutrer; great-grandchildren: Olivia and Justin Besch; Jackson, Asher, Theo, and Isabel Nguyen; AJ Edens; Savannah and Jayden Lane; sisters: Nellie Baine and Theresa Steele; and brother Gene Steele.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Gertrude Reinhart, Lorna Holler, and Florence Horgen; and his brother, Donald Steele.

The Steele family sends their heartfelt thanks to Fairview Hospice team for their love, care, and support.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 11:00 am at Evangelical Covenant Church, visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. He will be laid to rest at Forest Hill Cemetery, International Falls, Minnesota following the service.