Jim Schiefelbein, 1942-2020
Cochran Mortuary
James (Jim) Arthur Schiefelbein, (aka Jimmie, Big Guy, Big Dog among many other monikers he was known by), was born September 20, 1942 in Wichita, KS. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents Charles and Louise Schiefelbein, his older sister Doreen Hollinger, and younger sister Linda Williams.
He attended East High school where he played football and track and fie
ld. After graduating in 1960, he would continue his education at WSU studying business and acquiring fluency in Spanish and French. It was during this time that he met and married (Sept. 8, 1962) the love of his life, JoAnn.
They would begin their crazy yet magnificent journey of parenthood with the birth of Jeffrey, followed by Phillip, Joshua, and Jacob. Those 4 boys would fill his life with more joy, love, and pride than most men could hope for in a lifetime.
Jim found success through hard work at Ralston Purina for 10 years as a feed mill mixer, and at Coleman as the Director of Manufacturing for over 20 years, and the Vice President of Operations at Pioneer Balloon.
In 1994 he took a leap of faith and started Lura B. Signs & Graphics, which was named in honor of his dearest grandmother. From its humble beginnings in his home garage, he would take the business to Colorado. Then, with the help of his son Phil, LB Signs would be moved to its current location where his three boys Phil, Josh, and Jake continue to live out his legacy and dream.
He was a devoted and faithful servant of the Lord as a deacon at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church. Daily, he prayed and wrote down those prayers and what the Lord was telling him that day.
Colorful Colorado became his and the family’s most special destinations when he purchased property in the Rocky Mountains. It began with camping in tents in the dry creek bed to eventually building a cabin where many memories would be made over the next several decades. It would also become a place of solitude and reflection in some of Jim’s toughest times.
Jim lived his life to the fullest! He would give you the shirt off his back. Jim believed God, family, and country in that order is what took priority in his life. Jim had a way of telling stories of family and history that could paint a picture. The kindness that radiated from his heart spilled over to the love that he had for his family. There was never a time that you couldn’t talk to Jim, that you didn’t feel loved. A great listener, a wise answer for every question.
Jim was not just a father to his boys but their best friend. Jim shared a special story or inside joke with most everyone. We were all just lucky enough to be the butt of those jokes. Even with the unfortunate illnesses that came later in life, Jim never took his eyes off the Lord. He never stopped going to work even at the age of 78.
Most of all, Jim was the kindest most loyal husband a wife could ask for. Of the many nicknames he had for JoAnn, his favorite one was “My Girl.” Jim and Joann were married 58 years, 60 years together. A life time of beautiful memories, accomplishments, ups and down. The love they shared for one another, the endless devotion, is the example and standard to meet. They were married at St. Paul Lutheran. JoAnn was 15 and Jim 19. Just two kids madly in love and because of this the world was blessed.
From the Cochran Mortuary Guestbook
Jim was the ideal true gentleman. We attended the same schools, junior high and high school. Jim was a great baseball player but we never played against each other. Jim will be dearly missed at the high school luncheons that have been going on for a few years now. My thoughts go out to JoAnn and the family. – Don Lowe
Obituary
Wichita, Kansas – Jim, 78, was called home on November 19, 2020. He is survived by his wife JoAnn; his sons Jeffrey, Phillip, Joshua, and Jacob; daughter-in-laws; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews. Jim is preceded in death by his father Charles, his mother Louise, and his sisters Doreen and Linda. Visitation will be held from 10-7pm Tuesday, November 24, 2020 at Cochran Mortuary, 1411 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214. Funeral Service will be at 11am Wednesday, November 25, 2020 at Cochran Chapel of the Roses, 1411 N. Broadway, Wichita, KS 67214 with committal service to follow at Kechi Township Cemetery. To sign a guest book or leave a condolence, go to www.cochranmortuary.com
Video: https://www.cochranmortuary.com/obituary/james-schiefelbein
