James J. Steil, lovingly known as Jim, age 91, of Dubuque, Iowa, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2025, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.

Born on October 24, 1933, in Dubuque, to Clement and Matilda (Behnke) Steil, Jim learned early on the value of hard work, integrity, and how to hit a fastball. A proud graduate of Senior High School, he developed not only his lifelong carpentry skills but also a passion for baseball that stayed with him well beyond his school years. Jim went on to play for the Asbury Phillies, proudly representing his hometown with heart and hustle.

On April 19, 1954, Jim married the love of his life, Jean Ann Schmitt. Their 71 years together were filled with laughter, partnership, and more adventures than can be counted. Just last year, they celebrated their 70th anniversary with a joyous gathering of hundreds of friends and family-proof that their love story was one for the ages.

The Steil’s were the life of the party, especially at the Dubuque Yacht Basin. Summers were spent boating, fishing, camping, and hosting dockside get-togethers where Jim and Jean were always in the center of the fun. If there was a poker run or a boat ride, Jim was ready-with a smile, a good story, and his bride by his side.

Jim’s career began with Merlin Kluck and Larry Haase Construction, helping build countless homes across the Tri-State area. Later, ever the entrepreneur, Jim took a swing at the restaurant business and opened a Famous Recipe Chicken franchise with a few partners. In classic Jim fashion, he added fried fish to the menu, packing the place during Lent-because of course, he knew what the people wanted.

After a brief stint supervising maintenance at John Deere-where he quickly realized the corporate world wasn’t his calling-Jim returned to his true love: building things with his hands. He founded his own construction company, and his craftsmanship can still be admired in homes across Dubuque.

But Jim’s greatest legacy isn’t just in wood and nails-it’s in the service he gave to his community. He joined the Asbury Fire Department in 1957, the year it was founded, and volunteered there for an incredible 68 years. He held countless roles over the decades, including a seat on the Board of Directors, and was honored as Firefighter of the Year in 2007 and inducted into the Hall of Flame in 2013.

He also served his country with pride, spending 17 years in the Iowa National Guard and 5 more in the Army Reserve, retiring as a Major in 1973. Jim never missed an opportunity to serve-whether it was through Resurrection Church, the Dubuque Homebuilders Association, the City of Asbury Board of Adjustments, or the Asbury Eagles Club (where he was once president but always happy to man the kitchen at a fish fry).

A devoted Catholic, a dedicated neighbor, and a passionate patriot-Jim lived his values quietly but fiercely. He didn’t talk about what needed doing, he just did it.

A lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, Jim stuck with the team through every “maybe next year.” His loyalty was finally rewarded in 2016 when he stood in Wrigleyville during Game 5 of the World Series-grinning from ear to ear as he saw his beloved Cubs inch one game closer to making history. It was one of the great highlights of his life… even if they did take their time.

More than anything, Jim will be remembered for his kindness, wisdom, calming presence and willingness to help others. He had a gift for making people feel at ease-often without saying a word. And when he spoke, people listened. Because when Jim talked, you knew it mattered.

To his grandkids, he was “The Silver Fox” a nickname he wore with a knowing smile. He was the grandpa who built games in his shop (“Shot Box” and “Horse Craps” became family legends), and the first person they ran to for stories, hugs, or a quiet moment of advice. Jim was the compass of the family, the one who pointed true north whether the waters were calm or stormy.

While a few words could not possibly encompass the legacy Jim leaves behind, his love will be forever endured in those who were fortunate enough to call him Husband, Dad, Grandpa, and friend. The stories he shared, the memories he created and the wisdom he gave will continue to live on because of how profound he was. A man that needed very little but gave everything to those he loved.

He is survived by his beloved wife Jean Ann Steil; brother Vern Steil; children Patti Meyer, David Steil, Rick Steil, and Doug Steil; grandchildren Matthew Meyer, Dylan Steil, Griffin Steil, Tyler Steil, Nick Steil, Emily (Steil) Hansen, and Tucker Steil; and great-grandchild Montana Meyer.

He is reunited in heaven with his parents, Clement and Matilda Steil; granddaughter Tessa Rae Steil; great-grandson Maverick Meyer; and his cherished siblings Eleanor Lombardi, Evelyn Beecher, Gerald Steil, Alvina Murphy, Leonard Steil, Mary Ann Derouin, Norman Steil and many nieces, nephews, family members and good friends.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursday June 12th at Hoffmann Schneider & Kitchen Funeral Home. The Mass of Catholic Burial for Jim will be at 10:30 am on June 13, 2025 at Church of The Resurrection followed by his burial at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery. Full military honors will be rendered by American Legion Post #6 and the Iowa Army National Guard.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Asbury Fire Department or Asbury Eagles Club.

Jim leaves behind a legacy of love, service, and steady strength-a man who could build anything, fix anything, and be there for anyone. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A photo tribute can be viewed and condolences sent to the family by visiting James’s obituary at www.hskfhcares.com.