James Edward Schlebach

Jim was born March 15th, 1937 to Henry and Gertrude Schlebach in Dodson Prairie, Texas. Jim was a typical curious boy of rural Texas. He went to school, hunted, fished, and played with his friends from the surrounding farms and his two brothers, Gene and Joe, and his sister, Mary Nell. Working on farms at a young age gave him a keen sense of responsibility early in life and nurtured his love of the outdoors. Jim earned an academic scholarship to St Edwards University in Austin, Texas, where he attended for a year and a half. Due to his patriotism to his country, he chose to join the Army. He planned to complete his degree after his tour was complete, which he did.

Jim married Patricia whom he met at the local Catholic youth group. Jim enlisted in the army in 1959 and was quickly deployed to Europe. His new wife Patricia followed him to Germany, and it was there that they gave birth to their first born, James Jr (Jimmy). The war kept them moving about during his service, but in 1963, they welcomed a daughter, Debra DeAnn, in Dallas, Texas.

Jim honorably concluded his service in 1965 and returned to the states where he enrolled at Southern Methodist University (SMU) where he earned an Accounting degree. His career reflected a progression of increased merit and responsibilities including the Manor Bread company, Collins Radio (which later became Rockwell and finally Alcatel), and finally returning to his alma mater, SMU in charge of the accounts payable department. Jim’s affable demeanor and constant positive outlook made him a popular and well-respected manager.

Jim’s first marriage ended in 1977. A few years later, he met Dorothy Unsworth at a Catholic singles group. Dorothy (Dottie) was raising four children from her previous marriage. In 1984, they were married. Jim and Dottie’s days together were a celebration of love, life, and family. The immediate family would symbolize this love in the form of a yellow rose, Jim’s favorite flower. They enjoyed spending time at home, playing word games and dominoes with friends and family, or working puzzles together. Jim would famously break out into spontaneous songs from obscure country artists from his youth. He was a constant source of entertainment during car rides and dinner celebrations with his quirky ballad stylings.

Jim loved his family, motorcycles, and his dogs. He enjoyed riding on his black Harley Davidson motorcycle for many years. He was active with the Knights of Columbus organization and later; the American Legion; Post 182 in Little Elm, Texas, where he was Vice Commander.

He is survived by his wife Dottie; sons: Jim Jr., Skip Unsworth, Karl Unsworth; daughters: Mary Beth Salyer, Susan Schaefer and Debra Sartorius; grandchildren: Chris Unsworth, Ken Salyer and his wife Elisha, Kaitlyn Schaefer, Misha Ford and her husband Ryan, Preston Unsworth, Adam Unsworth, Luke Unsworth and Rachel Unsworth; and two dogs: Sassy and Zoey.

He is preceded in death by both of his parents, Henry and Gertrude; and his sister Mary Nell Werry and his brother Joe Schlebach.

A celebration of life is scheduled at the Stonebriar Funeral Home in Frisco Texas on Monday, June 10, 2024 at 9:30 am in the chapel. The service will be a celebration of Jim’s life. We will conclude the celebration at 12:30 pm that day for the procession to a military burial at the DFW National Cemetery in Dallas, Texas. Guests are welcome to come for all or part of the events on June 10.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests a donations to Wreaths across America, a non-profit organization that remembers those who have served and fallen, by placing wreaths on their gravesites. This organization held special significance to Jim. https://wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/180429