James C. Schroeder, 86, went home to his Heavenly Father on Monday, May 27, 2019. His was born on January 23, 1933 to Fred and Elizabeth (Funke) Schroeder in Evansville, Indiana. Jim graduated from Reitz High School in 1950.
He met his one true love, Mary Jane (Janie) Scheller, a 1950 Mater Dei graduate, at a free show on the far westside. That special night grew into a love story that lasted over 66 years. Their love for each other was true devotion until the very end.
Jim proudly served in the Navy during the Korean War and was grateful to be a part of the Honor Flight in 2017. His daughter, Julie and son, John escorted him and his brother Don, who also served in the Navy. He had a strong work ethic and spent his entire career of 43 years at Crescent Plastics, where he retired in 1998.
Jim was a man of strong faith who loved God and his family beyond measure. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church and St. Boniface Church. He and his wife received the Brute` Award for their service to the parish.
He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, Hilltop Grove and Mater Dei Booster Club. Jim was a family man who cherished the large, noisy family gatherings, camping trips, family vacations, Friday lunches with family, fishing, hunting, and the simple pleasures of everyday life. He was the biggest fan at all of his kids, grandkids and great grandkids sporting events and activities.
It is a great comfort in life to be so loved and his legacy of love will live on through generations. While it’s hard to say good-bye, we celebrate with great joy a life well lived. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Janie; his five children and their spouses who love him more than words can say; Jim Schroeder (Kris), Janie Mesker (Larry), Julie Bradley (Mark), John Schroeder (Tammy), Joni Cardin (Terry); Sixteen favorite grandchildren, Jim Schroeder (Amy), Mike Schroeder (Mary), Andrew Schroeder (Anne), Laura McKenzie (Brendan), Sarah Spencer (Caleb), Jennifer Dyhrkopp (Doug), Allison Garrard (Keith), Adam Blythe (Kim), Ashley Weber (Peter), Alex Blythe (Erin), Quinn, Branson and Dawson Schroeder, Doug, Beth and Greg Cardin; thirty seven favorite great grandchildren and one on the way, who will be his favorite too; Zach, Emma, Matthew, Noah, Will, Louis, Samuel, and baby Schroeder, Luke, Ava, Ella and Scarlett Schroeder, Oliver, Lucy, Emmett and Knox Schroeder, Dominic, Lilly, Gabe, Leo and Cecelia McKenzie, Faith, Olivia and Audrey Joy Spencer, Anthony, Lauren and Benjamin Dyhrkopp, Lincoln, Franklin and Katherine Garrard, Cole Blythe, Mullen, Chapman, Arabelle and Hudson James Weber, Harper Blythe, Linzy and Landon Cardin.
Each one was always prayed for by name as Grandpa and Grandma said their nightly prayers. He is also survived by one brother, Don Schroeder (Delores); in-laws and many nieces and nephews. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, sister Beverly Markin Salmon and a brother Ray Schroeder.
There will be a mass of Christian Burial held at 10:30 AM on Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at St. Boniface Catholic Church, Rev. John Brosmer officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery, where the Vanderburgh County Retired Veterans Memorial Club will conduct military rites.
Friends may visit with the family from 2:00 PM until 7:00 PM on Tuesday, June 4, 2019 at Pierre Funeral Home, 2601 W. Franklin Street, where there will be a memorial service conducted by the church at 6:15 PM. Friends may also visit with the family from 10:00 AM until service time at St. Boniface Catholic Church. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Boniface Catholic Parish, 1626 Glendale Avenue, Evansville, IN 47712.
The family would like to thank West River and Kindred Hospice for their wonderful care during Jim’s 10 day stay. Condolences may be made online at www. pierrefuneralhome.com.
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