James Schneiderhan, 76

James Henry Schneiderhan, 76, of Great Falls, Montana, formerly of Alexandria, a retired buyer for Poulsen’s, died Friday, September 21, 2012 of natural causes at his residence.

James was born in Alexandria on August 2, 1936 to Anthony Clements Sr. and Gertrude (Ernst) Schneiderhan. James was educated in Alexandria. He entered the U.S. Army, and was stationed in Germany for two years. After his discharge, he returned to Alexandria for a short time before moving to Great Falls.

He went to work for First West Side National Bank and then went to the Buttrey Warehouse as the office manager until 1969. He then returned to Alexandria for several years before returning to Great Falls, working for Thunderbird Building Supply. He was later transferred to Aberdeen, WA for four years before returning to Great Falls to work for Montgomery Ward, but he returned to the building supply business, working for Poulsen’s for 21 years until his retirement in 2000.

He married Sharron O’Connell at St Joseph’s Catholic Church on September 12, 1959. They had a celebration of their 50th wedding anniversary with all of their dear friends and family in 2009, because Jim loved a big party. They recently celebrated their 53rd anniversary at home with all their kids.

James was a member of St. Joseph’s Parish, a past member of the Knights of Columbus, and the self-proclaimed leader of the Schneiderhan hunting clan.

His greatest love was his family, his grandkids, and his dog, Moose. The Schneiderhan household was always filled with chaos and noise, especially during Thanksgiving and Christmas. It was important for Jim to have his family together and to keep traditions alive. But to Jim, family meant everyone and always welcomed people into their home and cabin. Everyone just loved and adored Jimmy.

Jim loved the mountains and enjoyed hunting, fishing, four-wheeling, and snowmobiling. Since starting his family, they would camp every weekend in a tent or go to the O’Connell cabin in Lincoln on 7Up Lane. He built cabins on Hardy Creek and French Creek before settling in to the current family cabin in Lincoln on Stemple Pass. He and his boys were avid hunters and would spend opening weekend together every year; no women allowed! Jim especially enjoyed it when his brother Tony, nephew Joe and friend Bill Peabody would come from Minnesota to hunt. His girls were his “sweethearts.”

Besides Jim’s kindness and love, he had a great sense of humor and always enjoyed a good time. He always got a kick out of telling everyone to say a bad word when gathering for group photos. He liked to watch sci-fi, western or action movies and was always waiting for the next “rip-snorter” to come out on DVD. His other hobbies included shopping, cooking, and tinkering in his garage. He will always be remembered for his home-made tapes in which he would record his current favorite song, so he could listen to it over and over. Jim and Sharron enjoyed traveling when not at the cabin and had many fun adventures with his in-laws, Jimmy and Mickey and Pat and Claudia.

James is survived by his wife, Sharron Schneiderhan of Great Falls; sons, Mike (Lisa) Schneiderhan, Gary (Mariesa) Schneiderhan, Tony Schneiderhan, all of Great Falls, and Pat (Connie) Schneiderhan of Great Falls and Helena; daughter Kari Jo (Eddie) Kiff of Ringling; 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; and in-laws, Rose Schneiderhan of Alexandria, Pat and Claudia O’Connell and Mickey and Jimmy Ledford, all of Great Falls.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Anthony Sr. and Gertrude Schneiderhan; and his brother, Anthony Schneiderhan Jr.

A vigil was held on Monday, September 24 and the funeral liturgy was held Tuesday, September 25, both at St. Joseph’s Catholic Chapel. Burial was at Mount Olivet Cemetery with military honors.

Schnider Funeral Home, Great Falls, MT, handled the arrangements.

Condolences may be left with the family at www.schniderfuneralhome.com. Memorials are suggested to Central Catholic High School, 2800 18th Ave. S., Great Falls, MT 59405.

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