I still remember JT fondly, and his words of advice "stay out of those curb lanes, boy"

Dear Fay & Family,
Just heard from my pop last night about JT's passing. Sorry I was not able to come for the services, I was out of the country. I smile whenever I think out the old geiser, he always made me laugh & feel good about myself. You are all in my thoughts & prayers.
Love to all,
Janet

Didn't know Mr. Steelman, but my mother-in-law was a Steelman. I'm the genealogist of the family and have the Steelmans going back to the 1600's. Would appreciate names of Jack Steelman's parents, grandparents, etc, if anyone can provide to see if he might be part of the Steelman tree I'm working. My father-in-law knew Jack from the Peabody's lunch group.

May the road rise up to meet you,
May the wind be ever at your back
May the sun shine warm upon your face
And the rain fall softly on your fields
And until we meet again, May God hold
you in the hollow of his hand

Sharon and Ian, I share in the sorrow with the loss of JT and hope you will be strong with your head held up high looking toward the warm bright sun thinking of him.

JFK

All of Birmingham and especially Shepardbush will never be the same without JT. Now he and Murph can get together for beer-thirty again and MSU is going to have to make considerable additions to their new fan base to make up for JT. Fay, KC, John, Doc, Kathy, Sharon and Ian, our thoughts are with you.

Dear Steelman family, you are all in my heart as you gather around the memory of JT. I agree with all, and my siblings, that JT was one of a kind. When I think about my childhood JT and Faye are the first people outside of my immediate family who come to mind to this day. All of the Steelmans, but JT and Faye first. Just the fact that they let us call them JT and Faye was so unbelievable for the time. It was always better being there than being home. JT was such a presence that I can still hear his voice and can still see him. Berny loved JT and would want that remembered.....Pat too. Warmest wishes to you All! Rachel

I can only echo other postings. JT was one of a kind. There is no end to the love and generosity both he and Fay have shown me over the years. JT at the helm, but all the Steelmans have impacted my life in one way or another. I am so fortunate. Love and hugs to you all.
- Harry

Dear Family,
I am so sorry for a great loss. When I think of JT I hear his laughter and his voice when he would ask "What is Beach up to now!" We will all miss him and his insight about people. Elaine

I grew up on Shepardbush and remember the day the Steelmans moved in. Jack was a big presence on the street then and continued to be one 'til the end. Over the last few years Sharon would take walks with Jack and try (unsuccessfully) to get my dad to join. Dad would look forward to Fridays at Peabody's so he could reminisce and look at Jack's old photos. With the passing of JT, Murphy and Scratch my dad is the last one left on the block. We will miss JT and extend our condolences to Fay, K. C., Doc and Sharon.

John and Kristie Jickling.

Dear Steelman Family
I'm thinking of all of you as you gather to honor your Dad today. Some of my fondest childhood memories are of your house- and your Mom and Dad! Jack was so much fun at the summer "block parties" and such a warm and friendly part of the neighborhood scene.
With sympathy,
Amy

You have my deepest sympathy over your loss of JT. I will miss him, he has been a wonderful friend to the Carpenter family through my entire life. He was like a second dad to me. I still have wonderful memories of summers up north in Indian River going back a forth between our two cottages on the Indian River.

Kris Carpenter- Berkley, MI

I am writing my memories about Jack Steelman.

We were on the Baldwin High School Track team back in the years 1942 & 1943.
He was a great runner in the 100,220 yard dashes & the relay events.
I can still picture him running the 220 coming around the curve & coming into the finish line
& winning the race.
He was a great athlete,great team mate, & a very great human being.
He set records back then at Baldwin in Birmingham that lasted for years.Now it is called
Seaholm High School.
I ran the 880 yard distance. Our team won the State Championship in 1943.
I still run at this time in the Senior Olympics in many distances at age 85.
I am sure Jack would have won many races had he entered them in the past years.
I send my sympathy to Jack's family during this very sad time.
Sincerely,
Jack Hipple
South Lyon, Mi.

I will miss him. Your family was the example of love and of course still is. I ENJOYED EVERY MOMENT. GOD IS CHANGELESS HE LOVED j.T. FROM THE BEGINNING AND ALL HIS LIFE. GOD BLESS ALL OF YOU. yOU ALL DID GREAT TO SHARE EACH OTHERS LOVE. LOVE LYNNE.

I grew up next to Jack's mom's house which brought him around quite often and I will always remember the booming ,friendly voice that my family and I encountered on his visits. I will never forget the kind words he had for us and the offer of a cigar to my dad (much to my mother's chagrin). He will be missed. My condolences to Faye and the whole family.

It is so hard to say good bye to a loved one. I'm glad that he was able to do that from the comfort of his home. My thoughts, prayers, and hugs go out to all of the family.

J.T. Steelman was one of a kind – a larger than life, warm hearted gentlemen of the first order who made an indelible impression on my life, and whose friendship and caring touched the lives of my entire family. I spent my early childhood two doors down from the Steelman’s, and in those days our families were quite entwined. While J.T. may have looked upon me only as the mischievous kid with a fondness for playing with every switch or knob I could get my hands on, I was in fact just enjoying being in the great man’s presence. It’s a testament to the strength of that impression that more than three decades later, I can still hear his voice, laughter and wit like it was yesterday. We may have lost a mighty Spartan, but his sprit will surely live on.

With love and warmth to the entire family,
Pat & Berny’s kid Aaron

Jack was very special to all of us. I will truly miss his visits. Our prayers and thoughts are with his entire family.

We will miss you,J.T.

Since we both grew up in Birmingham and attended Barnum Kindergarten, Adams Grade School and Jr. High as well as Baldwin High School, Jack and I have been able to spend many a pleasurable hour reminiscing about the Birmingham that used to be. It was fun, also, to pore over our two collections of local photos from an earlier era. Needless to say, I'll miss the good times we've had together in recent years.

My sympathy goes out to Fay and the rest of Jack's family members at this time of sadness.