James Arthur Schell

All who knew James Schell would agree that he was one of the kindest people around. He was extremely compassionate with a heart that accepted and loved others abundantly and without condition. Jim took his roles as a husband and father to heart, but he just may have argued that being a grandfather truly put the joy in his spirit. Although he accomplished so much of which to be proud, he was a humble man whose family was his greatest source of pride and joy. He had the best sense of humor that made others feel at ease in addition to an infectious laughter that was all his own. Jim carried himself with honor, integrity, and unwavering convictions, which made him the perfect role model in the lives of those in need of guidance. He will be dearly missed and forever remembered.With the end of WWII in 1945, the nation was making the shift from being a nation at war to being a nation at peace once again. The baby boom was underway, and with the expanding American family the demand for new houses was high. It was an exciting time when the first Polaroid camera was sold while color televisions came on the market as the decade was drawing to a close. Amidst this time of great change there was much to celebrate in the lives of a young couple from Minneiska, Minnesota, as they were pleased to announce the birth of their healthy baby boy on January 5, 1949. James A. was one of seven children born to his parents, John and Neola (Paine) Schell, and was raised in the family home alongside his siblings, Sandy, Mary, Richard, Jack, Ed, and Bill. He graduated from Holy Trinity High School in 1966.It was when he was just 17 years old that Jim "Jimmy" started stock car racing, and this would be an interest that would follow him into his adult years. He frequented tracks in Fountain City, Wisconsin, and in both St. Charles and Rochester, Minnesota, among several other area places. Jim was a huge success, breaking many records through the years. In fact, it has been said that he could win a race despite starting in the back of the pack! There was also the time that he raced without a front left wheel, and he was so close to finishing, too, when he ended up hitting a pothole near the end of the race and rolling his car. Not to be forgotten during Jim's years in high school years was his introduction to the young woman who would change the course of his life forever. Her name was Sharol "Sheri" Kalmes, and sparks flew right from the start. They became high school sweethearts, and with a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Jim and Sheri became husband and wife on July 12, 1969, in Altura. The newlyweds settled in Rollingstone, and together they were thrilled to welcome two children into their hearts and home, Tara and Jamie.Throughout his life Jim gave everything his all. He served in the United States Army and was stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War in a time of great need. Jim loved to design and fabricate equipment, and his work is proof that he was a true designer at heart. He worked for Garnac Grain, ADM, and later for Winona River and Rail, C.H.S. until his declining health necessitated his retirement just this past fall.There were numerous things that enriched Jim's journey along the way. He loved traveling and made it a point to take both a winter and summer trip every year. Some of Jim's favorite destinations included Hawaii, Arizona, Jamaica, the Bahamas, and Puerto Aventuras, Mexico as he visited there several times. He was at home on the river and loved camping at "Bass Camp" on the Mississippi River where he kept a trailer for several years and was affectionately known as the mayor of "Prick Point." As a firm believer in properly fertilizing his lawn, Jim's lawn was the envy of the entire campground as people were known to come over to walk on his lawn barefoot just to feel the lushness of the grass on their feet! He enjoyed the changing seasons that living in the bluff country provides and loved going for fall walks. Jim and his wife and family frequently walked on the bluffs near the farm where he was raised near Minneiska, Minnesota. The splendor and beauty of the surroundings were amazing in that area - so much so that they recently took a family photo there.The things that made Jim such an extraordinary man are numerous. He was known for his compassion and unconditional love for his family and friends, but this love and acceptance extended to all who were within his reach. Jim touched many hearts through his selfless spirit and was known for giving second, third, and even more chances to people when needed as he could always see the best in everyone. He embraced diversity and never paid any attention to skin color as all people were equal in his eyes. Jim had a sense of humor that could diffuse any tense situations as he was sarcastic in a fun-loving sort of way and loved friendly banter back and forth with his family and friends. It was easy to see that he lived fully in the moment as he believed that worrying accomplishes nothing. Jim was known for guiding or mentoring teens and young adults who needed to find their way. He was also one to be prompt out of respect for others.Jim was a blessing in the lives of those around him in every way. He was a devoted family man who treasured being with his wife and children and was filled with unspeakable joy to spend any moment he could with his grandchildren. Well known within his field, Jim's solid reputation was based not only on his work but also in the way he provided a model of how to live a life of purpose for those who were following in his footsteps. He loved and accepted everyone, which was a trait that he also passed on to his children. Although he will be deeply missed, Jim's timeless legacy will be carried on by all who were blessed to know and love him.Jim died on January 21, 2014. Jim's family included his wife, Sheri; two children, Tara (Greg) Parnow of Fountain City and Jamie (Anne Conway) Schell of Winona; four grandchildren, Harlee, Hannah and Hope Parnow, and Silas Schell; five siblings, Sandy (Tom) Hengel of Rollingstone, Mary (Reeve) Kahabka of Gilbert, AZ, Jack Schell of Florida, Ed (Beverly) Schell of Winona, and Bill (Rhonda) Schell of Rollingstone. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John and Neola, and a brother, Richard. A Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Rollingstone with the Reverend William Kulas officiating. Burial will be in the spring at St. Mary's Cemetery in Minnieska. Friends may call at the church from 4-9 p.m. Friday and one hour before services at the church on Saturday. Please share a memory of Jim on-line and view his Tribute Video when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com. Memorials are preferred in lieu of flowers. Jim's wishes are for his funeral to be a non- formal event with blue jeans and a shirt.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/460513