James A. Steed

Born in Atlanta, 5th generation. Grew up in Little 5 Points, Candler Park, Mary Lin Grammar, Druid Hills High, 1960, Georgia Tech 1965. One month after graduation volunteered to the US Marine Corps, four years,. Served in Vietnam 1966-67. Made Capitan in 28 months. Stateside, served as Causality Assistance Officer who notifies parent or spouse that loved one died in service. Handled burials. Kraft Foods, Decatur/Atlanta 1969-73 as Industrial Engineer, 600,000 sqft. plant, largest in Kraft system then. 1973 joined Ga Dep[t. of Industry and Trade as entry level Project Manager. Retired Jan. 2002 as Deputy Commissioner. With wife Gayle, retired to Blairsville, Ga and built dream home and model train layout in lower level. Layout is now largest operating layout in Georgia, 1,100 sqft. Gayle suddenly died, Nov. 17 2020. Jim is a widower since. GEDA is the “thread” that holds us all together in a friendly, responsible, productive, and professional economic development organization, that is well revered by our competition.