Obituary
Guest Book
1929
2016
301 E McLoughlin Blvd. Suite E
Vancouver, Washington
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.
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
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Funeral services provided by:
Davies Cremation & Burial Services | Cremation Vancouver WA301 E McLoughlin Blvd. Suite E, Vancouver, WA 98663
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