Jim Schemmel
December 21, 1937 ~ March 10, 2019
Jim Schemmel, 81, of Mount Vernon, passed away Sunday, March 10, 2019, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, Iowa City. Funeral Mass: 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 15, 2019, at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Mount Vernon, by Reverend Stephen Page. Visitation: 10 a.m. with a Vigil Service beginning at 10:30 prior to the mass at the church. Burial: St. John's Cemetery, Lisbon, at a later date. Stewart Baxter Funeral & Memorial Services, Mount Vernon, is caring for Jim and his family.
Survivors include his wife, Karen; children, Diane Schemmel, Sharon (Charles) Schemmel-Sawyer, Natalie (David) Klostermann, Stephen (Debi) McCullough, and Darren (Kim) McCullough; grandchildren, Tyler (Liz) Cullen, Jordan (Kimberly) Cullen, Jorie (Andy) Pedersen, Megan (Randy) Francois, and Nicole Klostermann, and Delaney and Nicholas McCullough; six great-grandchildren; sisters, Rosemary Clark and Kathy Schemmel; and many extended family members and friends.
James William was born December 21, 1937, in Charleston, West Virginia, to Theodore and LaDema (Tomlin) Schemmel. Most of Jim's life was spent in Ohio and Des Moines, Iowa. He attended high school in Ohio and college at Dayton University. He was a dedicated husband to his wife, Karen. Jim was a true gentleman in so many ways. He loved being with family and friends and was always patient and kind. If you needed a favor, no matter how big or how small, you could count on Jim. He had a quiet presence but had strong opinions and incredible faith.
Throughout his career, he was highly respected in the field of publishing and magazine fulfillment. He was the recipient of several prestigious awards in his industry. He loved to travel and always had a story about the interesting places and people he encountered throughout his life. His memory was phenomenal, and he could recite dates and details of much of his life experiences and time in the Army in Korea.
He was preceded in death by his parents; son, John; and sisters, Barbara and Judy.
At the family's request, in lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, Mount Vernon.
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My heart breaks to have lost my Gentle Giant. I was honored to have him for my Boss at CDS Global for many years. He was the kindest, caring soul with such a great spirit. He will truly be missed by all whose lives he has touched, especially those people in the Postal industry. My deepest sympathy to Karen and the family as you grieve this tremendous loss. I know Jim is now on his new journey to find that perfect tuna salad sandwhich. With Love, Carlin
Prayers for your you, Karen and the family. This is a tough time in your life and Your love will sustain you. Hold your family close. Nancy McCullough
I’m sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time. You have my condolences.
A big brother that I will miss
I had the privilege of knowing Jim for around 40 years. We worked together in the printing/ publishing/Postal world on numerous projects and committees. He was always a creative and constructive force. Many innovations in that world can be traced back to Jim as either the originator or a key contributor. Jim was my friend, and that really meant something. More than once he stepped up to defend me and others when he thought we were being treated unfairly. Jim’s sense of humor was legendary. He relished the English language and always used it to maximum effect. He both wrote and spoke beautifully, always ready with a bon mot or the mot juste. I could go on forever – Jim might say “I think you already have” – but I’ll close by saying farewell, my friend. It was a privilege knowing you. Karen and family, I’m so sorry. Cherish your memories of this very good man.
Karen thank you so much for the call. When Jim and I talked just a few weeks ago about all the memories we shared over the years working together and then working for different companies but sharing the same goal. He was a dear friend and like others will miss him dearly. I will be holding you and your family up in prayer Norm Abraham
Jim and I were friends for over 40 years. I will always miss him. Elaine
I have had the privilege of knowing Jim Schemmel for over 40 years. He was truly a unique man, and one of the smartest men that I have ever known. He was also a very kind man with a keen sense of propriety. I have been very fortunate to know him well and to count him as one of my best friends. My thoughts and prayers are with Jim, Karen and his family and will continue. RIP, James. Mark Ryan Port Charlotte Florida