[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 172 (Tuesday, December 21, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2234]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF JAMES MELTON STEELE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 21, 2010

  Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of James 
Melton Steele. Mr. Steele, known affectionately as ``Jim'' to his 
friends, family and members of the North Texas community was passionate 
for the Northwest Independent School District and its students. His 
memory and commitment to NWISD are appropriately commemorated with the 
Dedication of the James M. Steele Accelerated High School, the only 
school of its type in Texas, designed to provide students an 
alternative venue to complete high school at an accelerated pace.
   Mr. Steele's early life allowed him to know both north Texas and 
west Texas as home. His family followed his father's railroad 
employment with positions in both the Fort Worth area and Baird, Texas 
where he attended school until 8th grade. His family returned to north 
Texas where he attended the Birdville School District and met Johnnie, 
who was the love of his life and eventually became his wife and mother 
to their two sons, Bruce and Brian.
   James attended Arlington State College where he majored in business 
administration and developed a desire through his early work 
experiences to own his own business. He built and operated a concrete 
plant in Haltom City and later bought a small country store in Roanoke 
which eventually became Steele's Affiliated Country Market.
   The Steele's raised their family in Roanoke and were active 
community members as he helped with sports activities and Johnnie 
volunteered to help the teachers at Roanoke Elementary. Mrs. Steele 
eventually made a career of education in NWISD and taught for 24 years 
before retiring from Gene Pike Middle School. As members of Roanoke 
Church of Christ, Byron Nelson encouraged Mr. Steele to become an 
Elder.
   Mr. Steele's leadership and commitment led to encouragement from 
parents within the Northwest ISD to run for the school board. He became 
a member of the NWISD Board in 1975, serving as a Trustee for nine 
years, including his term as board president.
   The Steeles' commitment to NWISD is a family legacy as both of their 
sons and their grandchildren, Chris and Tara, graduated from Northwest 
High School. Bryson James Steele, one of three great-grandchildren, 
currently attends Kay Granger Elementary. The Steeles' other two great-
grandchildren, Caroline Doshier and Brayden Steele, will eventually 
attend school at NWISD.
   It is with great honor that I rise today to recognize James M. 
Steele and his commitment to Northwest Independent School District. I 
am honored to represent Northwest ISD, the town of Roanoke and the 
Steele family in the United States Congress.

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