James Robert “Jim Bob” Steel was born on July 31, 1948, to Bobby and Daisy Steel in Nashville, Ark.
Jim Bob graduated from Nashville High School in 1966. Through Jim Bob’s grade school years, he was elected by his classmates yearly into Who’s Who for titles such as best personality, class favorite and Mr. NHS. After High School, he attended the University of Arkansas, where he was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity. He graduated from the University of Arkansas with a Batchelor of Science in Business Administration in 1971. He attended the University of Arkansas School of Law and graduated in 1974 with his Juris Doctorate degree.
He returned to Nashville to serve as City Attorney and entered into the practice of law as a 5th generation Steel attorney. In 1982 he was elected Prosecuting Attorney for the 9th West Judicial District encompassing Howard, Little River, Pike & Sevier counties. He served in that capacity for 12 years and went on to serve as Pike County District Judge, while continuing to serve clients through the practice of law. Jim Bob was the epitome of a servant leader. His service to others was not dependent on their family name, social status, their ability to pay or return the favor. His service was not limited to a professional capacity, as service to his family was always his priority.
He took his family on numerous memorable trips and vacations, bringing away great stories and memories from the travels. As grandchildren were born, he became “Bob Bob” and had great fun spending time with his grandkids. Even as his body became weak and his health was failing, he maintained his sense of humor, and graciously expressed his appreciation and thankfulness to his nurses and caregivers.
He passed away on Oct. 21, 2024. Preceding him in death were his parents: Bobby and Daisy Steel. He is survived by his sister, Betty Fletcher (Billi) of Lonoke, Ark. His daughter, Jessica Steel Gunter (Tem) of Nashville, Ark. His daughter, Megan Steel Sullivan (Jarrod) of Siloam Springs, Ark. His grandchildren: Cole Moore (Emily), Daisy Sullivan, Ethan Gunter, Anna Claire Furr (Slade), Jackson Sullivan, Emma Gunter, Audrey Gunter. His great-grandchildren: Treston Moore, Eli Moore, Jovi Moore and Gunter Furr and numerous other family members and friends to whom he would say “Hey ol’ buddy.”
Services will be Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, at 11 am at Nashville Funeral Home with Judge Ted Capehart, Bro. Kevin Sartin and Bro. Joe Kelly officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until service time on Saturday morning. Interment will follow in Restland Memorial Park Cemetery.
