NASHVILLE, TENNESSE - James L. "Jim" Schaller, 91 died peacefully on August 25, 2023 with his children by his side. Born on February 24, 1932, in Offerle, Kansas.

During childhood, he worked on the family farm until his draft number came up in December of 1951 for the Korean War. He joined the Air Force to avoid being drafted into the army and was hoping to become a pilot. He had watched pilots train in Jetmore near his family home when he was 10 and fell in love with flying! Upon testing for the Air Force, he failed his physical due to flat feet and his technical aptitude placed him with the mechanical division working on the jet fighter planes. He did not achieve his dream of flying fighter planes, but later he did obtain his private pilot's license along with certification [BS1] [BN2] for instrument rating and aerobatics.

During the war he was stationed in Iceland for his military duty. Upon returning to the states, he married his sweetheart, Pauline Elizabeth Schmidt. They were wed on June 15, 1954. They moved to Dover, Delaware where he was stationed and where they had the first of 6 children. They then moved to Manhattan, Kansas where he obtained his bachelor's degree in industrial engineering and had 3 more children during that time. Upon entering the workforce and moving to Alton, IL, he had 2 more children while working for McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, MO. The family moved to Prairie du Rocher, IL on top of the Mississippi bluffs surrounding the small town. Four years later, the family moved to Camdenton, MO where he worked as an Industrial Engineer and Salesman for Dawson Metal Products. The next move brought the family to Erin, TN where they remained for 20 years.  During the time of raising 6 children and working, he still found time to coach a little league team for 2 years, was a leader of Boy Scouts, hiked Philmont Scout Ranch twice and obtained his Master's degree at Austin Peay University.

Upon leaving the workforce, he opened a gun store in the basement of his house where he bought, sold and repaired guns and rebuilt a Stits Playboy airplane. When his family farm in Offerle became available, he and Pauline bought it and moved back home. Unfortunately, he lost his wife and one son (Douglas) within 6 years of returning to Kansas. He was able to remain there for another 6 years but became ill and could not live on his own anymore. He had an undeniable laugh; a super positive attitude and his optimism was contagious. There was always a dream to be chased and many of those dreams he was able to catch before being called home.

He leaves behind 3 sons and 2 daughters: Bruce (Josie) Schaller, Jeniece (Andre) Fortin, Douglas (deceased), David (Lynne) Schaller, Kenneth (Tandy) Schaller and Brenda (Doss) Neal; 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren: Diane (Derrick, Daxon & Delton) Bates, Keith (Marcie, Charlotte, & Lucas) Schaller, Michelle Schaller, Aaron (Colleen, Samuel & Caleb) Schaller, Matthew (Lacy, Madelynne) Schaller, Sarah Schaller, Makenzie (Nick, Schaefer, & Aleeza) Schaller, Connor (Katie, Leander) Schaller, Adam Neal, Jarred Neal.

To quote one his nurses, "He really enjoyed life!"  We will miss you Dad, Grandpa, and Great Grandpa! May you rest in eternal peace!

Celebration of Life Mass will be held on September 2, 2023 at St. Edward Catholic Church in Nashville, Tennessee at 10:00 am with a reception to follow at the church.

Rosary will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Offerle, Kansas at 2:00 pm on October 11, 2023. Inurnment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, Offerle. There will be no public viewing as cremation has taken place.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to AccentCare Hospice, 741 Cool Springs BLVD., Suite 102, Franklin, TN 37067.