James H. Steadham

James was born on January 16, 1938 in Nacogdoches, Texas to Beatrice Forney and Elmer Steadham. He was the oldest of four boys. He was a 1956 graduate of Central High School in Galveston, Texas and attended Welding School. James was employed over 30 years as a longshoreman.

James met a “beautiful lady”, Barbara English; they fell in love and became husband and wife on April 22, 1961, in Galveston, Texas. God blessed them with one son, Bobby Steadham.

He served his family, church and community with dedication and tenacity. He was a dedicated member of Cathedral of Faith-Market Street Baptist Church, where he served as administrative assistant to the late Senior Pastor, Dr. Rev. H. J. Johnson and as treasurer, and trustee under the leadership of Pastor Rev. Craig Holloway.

James was an active participant in numerous civic and social organizations. He was raised a Master Mason in South Gate Masonic Lodge #32. He also served as Worshipful Master for 30 years, until the merger with Amity Masonic Lodge, #4. He continued to serve as secretary, Special District Deputy of District 15B of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Texas. He held memberships in Winn Consistory #234, 32nd Degree Masons Scottish Rite Bodies, where he served as Proir and Recorder of El Katif Temple #85 Nobles of the Mystic Shrine. He served as Vice-President NAACP Local Chapter in Galveston, Chairman, Parks and Recreation Board of Directors, City of Galveston. James served on the Board of Directors for Old Central Culture Center, African American Historical Foundation, Galveston County Juneteenth Ambassador, Community Action Council, Galveston, Texas. President, Port of Galveston Federal Credit Union, Past Vice-President I.L.A. Local #20 for 15 years and Pension and Welfare Board, Assistant Treasurer, I.L.A. Local #851 Credit Union. He received many awards and recognition for his devoted service.

On Wednesday, January 18, 2012, God in His infinite wisdom, called James home. Although his loving spirit, sense of humor and his very presence will be missed, we accept, with Christian submission to God’s will to call him home. His gusto, outgoing personality, lover of life and all who crossed his path, having never met a stranger, will always be remembered.

James was preceded in death by his father and mother, his brothers, Charles Forney and Emory Scott.

He leaves to cherish his memories and carry out his legacy his devoted wife of over 50 years, Barbara Steadham, his children, Bobby (Cherry), League City, Texas, Rosilyn Hart, LaVergne, Tennessee, his grandchildren; Dominic Steadham, Bryce Steadham, Bradford James Steadham, Devin Brooks, Destini Hart. His sibling, Luther Johnson, a special niece, DeWanna Petrice Hodges, Fort Worth, Texas, God Child, Cesalie Caldwell; sisters-in-law, Opal Grace, Houston, Texas, Marie Collins (Henry), Texas City, Texas and Elnora Johnson, Dallas, Texas and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins (favorite cousin), Charlene Perry, Lufkin, Texas, many friends, (special friends), Wilbert Hill and James Brooks and his Cathedral of Faith-Market Street Church Family.

His body will lie in state Friday, January 27, 2012, at Cathedral of Faith-Market Street Baptist Church, 2901 Market Street, Galveston, Texas from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m., followed by remarks from 5-7 pm from members of Fraternal, civic and social organizations James was affiliated with.

The celebration of his life is Saturday, January 28, 2012, 11:00 a.m., at Mount Olive Baptist Church, 3602 Sealy, Galveston, Texas. Interment will follow at Lakeview Cemetery under the directions of Wynn Funeral Home, Galveston, Texas

Wynn Funeral Home

Published January 25, 2012

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