SCHNEIDER, James
1942 - 2020
James Bernard Schneider passed away peacefully at home in Chelsea, on March 17, 2020. He was dearly loved and will be desperately missed by his wife Susan, (together for 40 years, married 2/2/2020), by his son Jim (Nancy), and daughter Kirsten. He was a loving and devoted Grandpa to his precious grandchildren Nathaniel, Brandon (Meagan), Thomas (Anika), Angel, Isaac and William.
Jim was the loving big brother to four cherished siblings, Donna (Marshall), Joe, Steve (Jane), Bill (Marianne); and caring Uncle to their kids: Joel, Erika; Sarah; Peter and Michael.
Jim will also be remembered by Karen (Jack), and Sherry (James), cousin ‘Sandiago’ Bill; his friends at Pub Italia, and many lifelong, loyal friends. Our Gordie will miss his scratches, and cuddles.
Born in Belleville, Illinois on February 1,1942, Jim was predeceased by his parents, Alvin and Marie (Wimmer), dear brother Tom, nephew Ben, sister-in-law Kayoko, and much loved furry companions-Dixie, Duke and Merlin and Ms. Kitty.
Jim was a regular at many Cathedral High School reunions in Belleville, Illinois, with his high school buddies, Jerry (Sue) and Bob (Judy), and kept in touch with friends from Loyola University.
Jim dedicated his whole life to promoting economic and social justice. His early years in the Peace Corp in Niger earned him enduring friendships and he was awarded the Country’s ‘Chevalier de l'Ordre du mérite du Niger" (Knight of the Order of Merit of Niger). As President of ‘Friends of Niger’, Jim regularly published their newsletter for years.
Always an NDP supporter, he proudly worked for Stephen Lewis when Stephen was Leader of the Official Opposition in the Ontario Legislature. Jim ran for the NDP in Brant-Oxford-Norfolk riding, and served as Vice President and Policy Chair for the Ontario party.
Jim influenced many lives in his work as an adult educator both at Conestoga College and during his extensive work with the Canadian Labour Congress.
Jim was a lifelong, passionate fan of the St. Louis Cardinals, as friends and family were well aware. Always an avid reader, Jim’s collection of books about baseball is enormous. He shared his love of reading with his son and grandchildren, always making sure they had enriching books to read.
A talented genealogy researcher, Jim tracked his family back to the 1600s and brought them to life with his narratives. Jim regularly volunteered his talents with his friends at the Family History Centre in Ottawa.
Jim was a master gardener, who transformed his produce into delicious salsa and his famous hot pepper jelly (much to the delight of family and friends!).
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held when the coronavirus is no longer a threat. Donations in Jim’s memory may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society.
