James E. Steckel, Jr (Jimmy, Jim, Dad, Jimbo, Chief) of Klein, TX passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 14, 2023 after a hard-fought battle with glioblastoma. Jim was born July 21, 1948 to Dorothy R. Schluter and James E. Steckel, Sr.

He grew up with his loving family in New Orleans, LA, bossing around (leadership skills!) his five siblings and spending time with his childhood buddies. He was a 3-year letterman in baseball at Archbishop Rummel High School and then graduated from the University of Southwest Louisiana with a Bachelor's degree in Management.

Uncle Sam called Jim's draft number in 1971 and he proudly served in the United States Army at Fort Huachuca in Arizona. Upon completion of his military service, Jim embarked on a two-phase business career. He began his career in the shipping industry in roles that allowed him to travel the world and put his management degree to work. Later, he transitioned to financial services where he merged his economic expertise with a desire to advise clients.

Jim met his future wife, Lee, at a friend's Christmas party in 1977 and they were married in 1979 in New Orleans. They then moved to Houston where Lindsey and Josh were born. Jordan was born four years later to complete our family of five!

When Jim became a proud Aggie Dad, he immersed himself in all things Texas A&M. He has unofficially served on many search committees for the next Texas A&M head coach! From his recliner with the aid of the internet camera, he "supervised" the entire rebuilding of Kyle Field in 2015!

Jim relished his greatest role in life when he became "Chief" to Mackenzie and Savannah. The phrase "hung the moon" doesn't begin to describe Jim's immense love and pride for them. He often sent effusive text messages to family and friends regaling them of his granddaughters' latest accomplishments.

Jim was a devoted family man, leading and encouraging his family through word and example. Jim embraced his love for family, politics, sports, traveling, Rush Limbuagh, stock prices and dividends, never-ending house projects and Cajun food! Above all, Jim was a good man with a kind heart and a great sense of humor! We loved his booming laugh!

He was diagnosed with glioblastoma in the spring of 2023. Every challenge he faced with grit, determination and hope during surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. Over the last eight months, he bravely bore his cross with grace, courage and faith.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 44 years, Lee; his children Lindsey Steckel Markham and husband Jason, Joshua Steckel and wife Liz, Jordan Steckel and wife Molly; granddaughters Mackenzie and Savannah Steckel; sister-in-law Fran Patterson; siblings Kathy McCrossen, Robert Steckel (Moni), Anita McCrossen, Tom Steckel (Mary Kay) and Paul Steckel; and many nieces, nephews, dear friends and loved ones.

A visitation will be held from 5-8 pm on Tuesday, December 19, 2023 at Klein Funeral Home, 16131 Champion Forest Drive, Spring, TX 77379. Funeral services will be held at 11 am on Wednesday, December 20, 2023 in the Lady Chapel at St. Ignatius Loyola Catholic Church, 7810 Cypresswood Drive, Spring, TX 77379.

Donations may be made in Jim's honor to M.D. Anderson Brain and Spine Center, 1515 Holcombe, Houston, TX 77030.