[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 15] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 23422] [From the U.S. 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. ____________________