James Perry Steele

Jim was born on a farm near Seneca, MO. He attended schools in Neosho, graduating in 1938, then enrolled at the University of Missouri for one year, before working for the PET Milk Company. Jim married Karyoldene Howard in November 1941, and welcomed the birth of a son, Larry Jim, in September of 1942. The following year, Jim enlisted in the Army Air Force and was sent to Deming, NM. While there, he applied for cadet training and was sent to the University of Montana, graduating as an Aircraft Navigator. This took him to California, then overseas to Okinawa, where he flew B-29 bombers on several harrowing missions. During one such operation, he was shot down over Japan, spent the next 11 months as a POW and was finally liberated when the War ended. His was the lead plane accompanying the USS Missouri during the 1945 treaty signing to end WWII. His first marriage failed soon after, a casualty of the stresses of war. In 1947, he returned to California with his new wife, Kathleen Kimbrough, serving at Castle Air Force Base. From there, Jim was once again deployed to Okinawa, where he and his SAC Command crew were known as the "1st Bomber Aces." They flew an impressive 55 missions over North Korea in the B-29s, and were honored with the "Flying Aces" award in 1951. His was the first bomber crew to be distinguished with this status, for shooting down five MIGs during a single air attack against hostile forces. Together, Kathleen and Jim were blessed with one daughter, Pam. Unfortunately, tragedy struck the young family in 1953, when Kathleen was killed by a drunk driver. Yet Jim found happiness once again, when he married Arlyce Morrow in January, 1954. They were stationed at several Air Force bases throughout his remaining career while working with B-47 Bombers and as a Maintenance Officer. He reluctantly retired in 1963, from Warner Robins Air Force Base in Georgia, settling with Arlyce in the Wenatchee Valley to raise their family of five children, Pam, Jackie, Bill, Kim and Tammy. Jim is survived by his wife of 56 years, Arlyce; two sons, Larry Jim (Judi) Steele of Joplin, MO and Bill Steele of East Wenatchee; four daughters, Pam (Nolen) Merkley of Moses Lake, Jackie (Laren) Lamb of East Wenatchee, Kim Steele of Almira and Tammy (Jeff) Crace of Otis Orchards; 15 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters; one niece; and his second wife, Kathleen. The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Home Care, Hospice, Rick Phillips of Telford's Chapel of the Valley, Eastmont Baptist Church, and Pastor Steve Brewer. A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 16, 2010, at the Eastmont Baptist Church, 400 S. Kentucky Avenue, East Wenatchee. Private Entombment will be held at Evergreen Memorial Park Mausoleum in East Wenatchee. Any memorials may be directed to the Humane Society, American Cancer Society, or a favorite charity. Arrangements by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

James Perry Steele

October 19, 1920 - October 10, 2010