James "Jim" E Schmenk

Avilla - James E. "Jim" Schmenk, 80, of Avilla, passed away on Wednesday June 19, 2019 at Parkview Regional Medical Center.  He was born on Oct 6, 1938 in Avilla to the late Herman "Resy" and WIlma (Meyer) Schmenk.  He was a 1957 graduate of Avilla High School and later served in the US Army stationed in Germany from 1961 to 1963.  In 1961, he married Margaret Ross.  She preceded him in death in June of 2003.  He later married Dolores Brand in 2005, who preceded him in death in July 2017.  Jim retired from Navistar in 2003 where he was a test mechanic.  In his free time, Jim volunteered with many groups including the Avilla American Legion Post #240, Knights of Columbus, founding member of the Town of Avilla Redevelopment Commission, and as a Union officer at Navistar.  He also enjoyed flying his radio controlled airplanes, geo-cacheing, fishing, dancing, playing cards, and target shooting.  Survivors include his Carla (Jeff) York of Lutz, FL, and Cara (Dave) Bowman of Ft. Wayne, stepchildren, Jordan (Carrie) Priest, Christopher Priest, Jeffery (Angela) Priest, and Amy Hartman.  Also surviving are grandchildren, Jason Ellert, Andrew Bowman, Becca Bowman, and Ashley Bowman, 10 step grandchildren, and a sister, Judy (Ray) Grocock of Avilla.  He was also preceded in death by a daughter Christine Ellert in 1999, and brother Jon Schmenk.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 11:00am Tuesday June 25, 2019 at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church in Avilla, with visitation one hour prior.  Visitation also from 4-8pm Monday June 24, 2019 at Harper Funeral Homes, Avilla Chapel, 530 N Main St., Avilla, with Rosary at 7:30pm.  Burial with military honors will be at St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery.  Memorial contributions in Jim's memory may be directed to the St. Mary's Church Improvement Fund.  To sign the online guestbook or leave a condolence, visit www.harperfuneralhomes.com
 

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