Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, May 31, 2016 at Cole Funeral Home in McGregor with Pastor Chris Farrow officiating. Interment will follow in McGregor Cemetery. Visitation will be held Monday, May 30, 2016 at Cole Funeral Home from 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
James was born in McGregor, Texas to the late Edwin and Anna (Lippe) Schmalriede. He was very proud of growing up in a farming family where he developed a great work ethic and a love for the land. James attended McGregor High School where he was very active in the FFA program, winning many awards. He was a generous man with a kind heart who enjoyed cooking briskets for family reunions and a good cold beer. He began his professional career in 1962 with North American Aviation as a lab technician where he developed a passion for working with chemicals and rocket propellant for 33 years until 1995 when the Hercules plant in McGregor shut down. Not one to sit idle, he continued to work at various occupations until he retired from L-3 Communications in 2011 at the age of 69.
James was a devoted husband, beloved father and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Edward Schmalriede. Survivors include his wife of 32 years, Dorothy Ann Schmalriede; daughters, Deanna Robinett and husband Keith, Terri Schmalriede and husband Chris Schlottmann; stepdaughters Becky Jenkins and husband Jimmy, Teresa Keel; grandchildren Landon Robinett, Kylie Robinett, Vicky Gonzales, Justin Jenkins, Jared Keel, Meagan Keel and 6 grandchildren; brother Milton Schmalriede and wife Yvonne; sister, Joann Temples; sisters-in-law Janet Schmalriede, Beverly Maxfield and husband Gary, Janie Henson; and many family and friends.
James fought a brave battle with lung cancer. He enjoyed life to the fullest and recently commented “As messed up as this old world is; it is a wonderful, wonderful place!” We would like to leave you with this thought in the hopes that regardless of the circumstances, you remember to try and find joy in each and every day.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Texas Oncology Foundation or the American Cancer Society.
How to Donate
Mail a check to
Texas Oncology Foundation
12221 Merit Drive, Suite 500
Dallas, TX 75251
Or visit the following websites:
www.texasoncologyfoundation.org/giving
Arrangements under the direction of Cole Funeral Home, McGregor, TX.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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