James Steinmiller

James F. Steinmiller was welcomed into Heaven by his parents, August and Agnetta Steinmiller on Saturday, November 22, 2025. Our loving Lord greeted him and took his hand. He passed away with his caring family close by.

Jim was born March 21, 1937, in a farmhouse near Hannah, Ml. He was raised in the Monroe Center area and attended elementary schools at, The Red School, a one room school, and St. Mary's Hannah Catholic School, graduating from Traverse City Central High School. He voluntarily enlisted in the U.S. Army December 6,1956 and spent 13 months in Germany. While there, he bought a VW and traveled, in his free time, to Switzerland, Austria and beautiful areas of Germany.

On July 30, 1960, Jim married his best friend, Maxine Rhodes, at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Traverse City. Together they have two wonderful sons, Chris (Riquelle) of lnterlochen and Kreg (Laura) of Monroe Center. His pride and joy were his granddaughter, Rebecca (Andrew) Morse and three little beautiful ladies, Ellie, CeCe and Lucia. He was “Grandpa Jim” to many and held a spot in his heart for Doug, Holly, Madison and Douglas Gallagher, neighbors. He loved to walk or drive one of his many owned tractors on the family farm property with his family and friends, telling his MANY stories of what he and his parents had accomplished. Jim was a BIG storyteller! He looked forward to deer hunting with his sons and grandkids each year. He and Maxine traveled 47 states, plus several countries and spent many winters in Safford, Arizona and Lakeland, Florida. He particularly loved to buy junk, i.e., nuts & bolts, galore. Garage sales, flea markets, junk yards and auction sales had his attention! During the winter months, he spent many hours reading Zane Gray books, which he enjoyed tremendously or studying maps and reminiscing of the beautiful places he had visited.

He was a workaholic and enjoyed his Oliver 77 tractor, plowing and disking the soil. At one time, he had 3 tractors at his small residence. He was always willing to help others and spent many hours in his pole building working on projects. He could repair anything, many times using his famous BLACK TAPE! Jim worked at Grand Traverse County Road Commission, and retired from Cherryland Electric as an underground lineman, after 30 years of faithful service, later working for Beeman Excavating, part-time, operating a loader.

Jim was a faithful member of Traverse City St. Patrick Catholic Church. He volunteered there as a greeter and funeral luncheon duties. He belonged to the lnterlochen Senior Center and volunteered at the Old Engine Show and lnterlochen VFW, selling Poppies. He helped to build the first Little League Baseball diamond in Grawn. He was also known as the family photographer and Maxine organized and put pictures in albums.

He was preceded in death by his parents and deer hunting buddy, grandson, Chris II, also, his brother, Roger.

His dear sister, Romona (Bill) Crain, survives him as do his wife, wonderful sons, loving daughters-in-law, grandchildren and precious great granddaughters, brother-in-law, nieces, nephews, lots of cousins and wonderful friends.

Please remember Jim by "paying it forward" with a helping hand to those in need.

Funeral Services will be held 11:00 am, Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, W. Silver Lake Rd. with Rev. Greg McCallum, celebrating. The family will greet friends starting at 10:00 am. Burial will be in Monroe Center Cemetery, Blair Twp in the future.

Donations may be made to a local organization of your choice, mass intentions or Rainbow Farms, 1951 County Line Rd. Kingsley, MI 49649.

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