Former Interim Town Manager, LPA and Audit Committee member Jim Steele passed away unexpectedly last Thursday. Steele was 83. A resident of Indianapolis where he was also involved in politics, Steele moved to Fort Myers Beach to retire but was lured back into politics because of his love of Fort Myers Beach.
Steele was the uncle of current Fort Myers Beach Vice Mayor Jim Atterholt who said on Monday, “Jim loved the island and was loved as well.”
Steele served as the interim Town Manager two times, the last was right after Hurricane Ian after Roger Hernstadt was fired. Steele stepped in as the Town Manager and did it at no salary.
Long-time beach resident Ellen Vaughan shared the following quote with Beach Talk Radio: “Jim Steele was remarkable in many ways and a wise person. I got to know him well during the years he served as board member then treasurer of the Friends of Mound House. He was quietly generous with a gentle sense of humor. I am honored to have known him.”
Jim Steele was born January 6, 1942 in Anderson, Indiana the son of James and Margaret Steele. Jim was a graduate of Anderson High School where he spent his summers working for his dad, at Steele’s Glass & Auto Parts. Jim attended Purdue University where he
was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and graduated with a degree in Industrial Engineering. It was at Purdue Jim acquired the nickname “Stainless.”
Jim served in the Army Reserves as a Supply Clerk operating primarily out of Fort McCoy, WI. He started his career as a Loan/Trust Officer for Anderson Banking Company. He then began a long and distinguished career in public service as the Controller of the City of Anderson under Mayor Tom McMahan. He went on to serve as the Executive Director of the Indiana Bond Bank. Jim served under both Mayor Bill Hudnut and Steve Goldsmith as the controller of the City of Indianapolis. He later served as the CFO for the Indianapolis City-County Council. Jim was awarded the State of Indiana’s highest award for service—the Sagamore of the Wabash.
Jim was predeceased by his older sister Kathleen Atterholt and 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.
A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Friends of the Mound House in Fort Myers Beach. Donate HERE.
I was so sad to hear about Jim’s sudden passing. I knew Jim for over 20 years – he was such a nice, gentle, positive, and honest guy. We all spent many good times together at Loggerheads, Outrigger, and at many other get togethers. Jim always had a smile on his face and never had a bad word to say about anyone. And he was always ready to lend a hand to anyone who needed help. I will miss him!!
Sending prayers of peace and comfort to the Atterholt family and all who loved and admired him.