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James Martin Steele, 81, of Hartsville, SC, passed away peacefully at home on April 11, 2024. Born in Lancaster, SC, on January 26, 1943, he was the son of the late James Beauregard Steele and Mary Elizabeth Crawford Steele. Jim is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Mary Lathan Robinson Steele, his daughter, Elizabeth Hunter Steele Hall (Dean) of Hartsville, and two grandchildren, Sara Preston Hall and James Segars Hall. Jim is also survived by his siblings, Jane Steele Pierce (Jim) of Moore, SC, Alvin Lee Steele (Susan) of Fort Mill, SC, William Beauregard Steele (Janet) of Sandy Run, SC, and his brother-in-law Barto Craig Robinson, II, (Becky) of Simpsonville, SC. He is survived by his nephews and nieces Jay Pierce, Scott Pierce (Elizabeth), Tripp Robinson (Wendy), Patrick Robinson, Macray Steele, Dr. Allison Steele Thompson (Kip), Will Steele (Paige), and Baillie Steele. He is also survived by several very special great-nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his stepmother, Beverly Rush Steele, and his in-laws, Barto Craig Robinson Sr and Sara Theo Hunter Robinson. Jim graduated from Lancaster High School in 1961, and attended Wingate University, Clemson University and graduated from the LSU School of Banking in Baton Rouge, LA. He served his country as a member of the Army National Guard Medical Core. Jim’s successful banking career spanned over four decades beginning at The Bank of Lancaster and continued with First State Savings Bank in Gastonia, NC, South Carolina Federal in Hartsville, and SPC Cooperative Credit Union, retiring in 2011. Jim was also employed by Segars Realty and Development prior to joining SPC Cooperative Credit Union. He was an active member of the South Carolina Bankers Association, the South Carolina Credit Union League, and the South Carolina Realtors Association. Jim’s greatest love was his family. His most treasured gifts were his two grandchildren, Sara Preston and Segars, and he was their biggest cheerleader at the soccer and baseball fields, dance recitals, and school and church performances. DeDe was his most favorite title. Jim loved the great outdoors. He was an avid hunter and fisherman, and his loyal companions Gracie and Snickers were never far from him when he was on an adventure. He gave back to the State of South Carolina by serving on the State Department of Natural Resources Board; he was an active member of the Coastal Conservation Association and locally a member of Ducks Unlimited, The Outdoor Club, and numerous hunting clubs. He was also a certified boat captain and a licensed pilot. Jim was a devoted Clemson fan, cheering on the Tigers for his entire life. Whether on land, water, or in the air, Jim found peace and joy in the people and world around him. His faith was formed at an early age at First Presbyterian Church in Lancaster, and he was a very active and devoted member of First Presbyterian Church, Hartsville, serving as an Elder, Deacon, and on various committees. Our family grew with the addition of the wonderful caregivers who took special care of Jim during his years-long battle with Dementia. A very special thank you to Lizzie Brown, Cheryl Johnson, Geneva Johnson, Teresa Johnson, Caroline Kelly, Mabel Little, and Annette Johnson for the love and care you showed Jim and our family, and many thanks to Rachel Stacey and the entire Crescent Hospice team. A memorial service for Jim will be held at 2 o'clock on Monday, April 15, 2024, at First Presbyterian Church, 213 West Home Avenue, Hartsville, led by The Reverend Ashley Cheek. A visitation will follow at the home of Elizabeth and Dean Hall, 502 Goodson Road, Hartsville. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in his honor to First Presbyterian Church Fish House Renovation Fund, 213 West Home Avenue, Hartsville, SC 29550.

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Mr. James Martin "Jim" Steele

January 26, 1943 - April 11, 2024