Jim Schell died on July 15, 2020. He didn't like funerals so we're doing a graveside service, a tribute to him.  Jim started every one of his stories with a long time ago, so, a long time ago James Laverne Schell was born on September 29, 1937 in Underwood ND the son of Fred and Lydia (Hoff) Schell.  His father died when he was 9 and Lydia then married Eddie Schell.  He considered him his dad for the rest of his life.  He went to school in Underwood and had to start a year later because he couldn't speak English.  He graduated from Underwood High School in 1957 and football was his favorite subject.

He married Diane (Evjen) Schell on Feb 21, 1959.  They had 4 children: Rhonda (Lynn) Kruckenberg, Dean (Sandy) Schell, Doug (Gail) Schell and Amy (Sean) Helgeson.  They had 10 grandchildren: Keith (Chrys) Kruckenberg, Niki (Curtis) Fix, Cristal (Justin) Schwab. Brittany Schell (to be married to Jesse Hoffert in Sept), Devan Schell, Callie Schell, Jenna, Nathan, Kaleb and Levi Helgeson and 6 great grandkids: JoceLynn and Mikah Kruckenberg, Logan and Cash Fix, Alyssa and Jase Schwab.

Jim was an Ironworker in Local 793 now known as 512. He started when he was 22 until he retired at the age of 62.  He was a rancher and loved his cows.  He got to work until the moment he died. We were branding and he collapsed from a massive heart attack.  Our Dad lived and died exactly the way he wanted to except that he wanted to win a million dollars in the lottery.  He would have given it away anyway.  He liked visiting with everyone every day.  He was always keeping busy with his hunting, fixing (he used so much tie wire and duct tape in his life), scrounging for a good buy, playing cards, playing any kind of gambling game and watching any sports or game show on TV and any John Wayne movie. Jim fished until he and Grandpa Evjen bought a fishing boat and they went on the river and the engine quit.  They had no oars, no life jacket and neither could swim.  They somehow got the engine started with a nail they found in the bottom of the boat. They took the boat home and never got into it again.  Jim enjoyed country music and he played it very loud.

His love for his family was evident.  He always made sure we had everything we needed and even the things we wanted.  He was known by all the grandkids and great grandkids as the "Quarter Grandpa" as he always had quarters in his pockets to hand out.  He always found time to spend with his family.  He loved to do horse "stuff" with everyone.   His family was his priority, he loved Rhonda's cooking.  He enjoyed hunting with Dean and already had his license for this upcoming hunting season. He spent time with Doug doing the haying, everything was ready to start the following week prior to his death.  Jim loved to spend time with Amy and her family, he was always ready to help with the kids and also a few extras, Orville, Pernell, Myron, and Tina.  He gave to all of his family and many times went without himself.  He would give the shirt off his back to help someone in need, especially his family.  We are all so grateful for his love and support.  He was a very caring man, wanting to be sure everyone was doing ok.  He always asked about his kids and grandkids.  He asked about everyone all the time and wanted everyone to be, ok. We are so fortunate to have an angel watching down on us.   It will be hard to go on without him, but he taught us to be tough.

Jim is survived by his wife of 61 years Diane, Turtle Lake, his kids and grandkids, great grandkids; his sister, Delila Repnow, who he cared about so much, and her kids, Missy, Chad, Chris; his nephews, Randy, Dale, Russel and Dennis; his niece Buffy; his sister-in-laws, Elaine Senski, Janet (Jim) Dutoit and special friends Jane Miller and her kids.

He was preceded in death by his father, Fred Schell;  stepfather, Eddie Schell (who he considered dad); mother, Lydia Schell; sister, Sharon Schell; brother-in-laws, Delbert and Delton Evjen and Tom Repnow; mother-in-law, Johanna Evjan and father-in-law, Leanard Evjen and special friends, Mike Miller and Helen and Bill Schwandt

How he ended each phone call, "I love you babe", "I love you too dad".

Graveside services for family and friends of Jim will be held at 11:00 AM on Thursday, July 23, 2020 in the Underwood Cemetery, Underwood, ND.  Visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM Wednesday at Goetz Funeral Home, Washburn, ND.