BORN

1929

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Davies Cremation & Burial Services | Cremation Vancouver WA

301 E McLoughlin Blvd. Suite E

Vancouver, Washington

James Scheirbeck Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 6, 2016.

James (Jim) Edward Scheirbeck passed away peacefully at his home in Portland, Oregon on Sunday, September 4, 2016 at the age of 87. He is at rest after living many years with Parkinson's disease. Jim was preceded in death by; Gladys, his wife of 30 years.

Jim was born June 9, 1929 in Wilton, North Dakota. He was the fourth of nine children born to John Scheirbeck and Blanche (Jollie) Scheirbeck. He was one quarter Chippewa Indian and a member of the Turtle Mountain Tribe in Belcourt, North Dakota. According to Native American beliefs, his mother came down and accompanied him to Heaven.

The family moved West to Granger, Washington in 1943 and Jim graduated from Granger High School in 1947. Jim joined the US Army in 1951 and courageously served as a Sergeant during the Korean War. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Ellensburg Teachers College in Ellensburg, Washington, and a Master's degree from Black Hills Teachers College in Spearfish, South Dakota. Jim was a "jack of all trades". Some of his many jobs included working as a teacher, parole officer, and drug rehab counselor, building inspector, handy man, cement finisher business owner, and general contractor.

Jim was a reserved man who was very caring and gentle. When he first started dating Gladys, he was known as "Mr. Wonderful" because of his kindheartedness and calm demeanor. Jim had many interests, he enjoyed rock and fossil hunting, gardening, wood working/carving, home remodeling, fishing, berry picking (especially huckleberries), league bowling, shooting pool, table games and cards. He enjoyed large family gatherings for holidays, birthday celebrations, and Sunday barbeques. Jim's love and shared knowledge of many of his favorite activities such as gardening and hunting for rocks and fossils has been passed on to family and friends and will be a cherished and lasting legacy to future generations. Jim was a member of the fossil group NARG (North America Research Group) and the Mt Hood Rock Club.

Jim is survived by his children; Scott Scheirbeck of Duluth, MN, Susan Scheirbeck of Hill City, SD, and Russell Bell II of Portland, OR (the grandson that Jim and Gladys adopted), his six step-children; Debbie Corbin (Jack) of Portland, OR , Janet Nalivaiko (Greg) of Tenino, WA, Russell Bell of Portland, OR, Carolyn Von Ahn (Jeff) of Portland, OR, Kimberly Wilson of Vancouver, WA, Steven Bell (Oksana) of Portland, OR, his sister Marie Zigler (Bob) of Fort Wayne, IN, and brother Richard Scheirbeck (Betty) of Riverside, CA, He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his son Mark Scheirbeck and six siblings; John Jr. (Jack) Scheirbeck, Robert Scheirbeck, Penelope (Penny) Miller, Margaret (Sally) Kauth, Clyde Schierbeck, and Charles Scheirbeck.

Jim and Gladys cared for each other with the help of family. After Gladys passed away, Jim was able to continue to live in his home with the care and support of family, friends, Marquis Caregivers, and Providence Hospice. During the last month of his life, even when he did not have much of an appetite he continued to drink Coke, which was his favorite beverage. He peacefully passed away in his favorite chair.

At Jim's request no service will be held. Kyle Schierbeck will honor his Uncle Jim's final wishes with a traditional Native American ceremony in "The Bad Lands" located in Red Shirt, South Dakota.

Arrangements under the direction of Davies Cremation & Burial Services, Vancouver, WA.

See his beloved wife, Gladys', obituary at: http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Gladys-Scheirbeck&lc=9587&pid=174453728&uuid=9feac5c9-ecfd-466f-8d8f-6bf8fd6ce5fc&locale=en_US

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for James Scheirbeck

What is your first memory of James?

Share a favorite memory you have of James.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with James.

Describe a time when James made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about James?

Talk about a shared experience you had with James.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of James.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving James.

What is something you learned from James?

Not sure what to say?

3 Entries

November 1, 2016

Brigette and Jeffrey Groth

Rest in peace Grandpa Jim. We love and miss you.
Love, Brigette and Jeffrey

October 18, 2016

Kimberly Wilson

Remembering the experiences and good times Jim brought to our lives. He is miss very much. May he rest in peace.

Love,
Kimberly

September 20, 2016

Gail Scheirbeck

Dear Family,
May you find comfort in the memories and love you shared. I join you in remembering the laughter and other lovely moments.
Love,
Gail

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 results

Make a Donation
in James Scheirbeck's name

Memorial Events
for James Scheirbeck

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Davies Cremation & Burial Services | Cremation Vancouver WA

301 E McLoughlin Blvd. Suite E, Vancouver, WA 98663

How to support James's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor James Scheirbeck's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more