James E. Schriver Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

James E. “Jim” Schriver, 73, of Bluffton passed away at 9:31 PM on Oct. 27, 2014 at Lutheran Hospital, Fort Wayne, IN. Jim was born February 23, 1941 in Elyria, OH, the son of the late Henry and Dorothy (Langshaw) Schriver. Jim graduated from Midview High School, Grafton, OH, in 1959 and from The Ohio State University in 1964 with a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology. Jim married Jayne Gaines on June 9, 1963 at Belden Methodist Church, OH. Jim was an outstanding farmer and business manager, a leader in his community, a mentor to young farmers and a voice for agriculture worldwide. He was involved in Farm Bureau, local schools, 4-H, FFA, civic organizations, Soil & Water Conservation District, Wells County Extension, and Life Community Church. He was instrumental in consolidating agricultural commodity groups’ offices and sponsoring a “Glass House” on the state fairgrounds, where consumers can conference with real farmers, overcoming the challenges of actual farm visits. Jim promoted agriculture at the state and national level as an elected (or appointed) member of several state and national boards. He was past President of the Indiana Soybean Board and was serving his second term on the national United Soybean Board, an appointment made by the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. Jim represented farmers locally and abroad on several trade mission trips, speaking on behalf of farmers to consumer groups. He was recognized by local and state organizations for promoting agriculture, serving as an unpaid volunteer. These awards included the Southern Wells FFA Honorary Chapter Degree, 1984, the Indiana Soil and Water Conservation River Friendly Farmer Award, 2000, and the Distinguished Hoosier award, 2007. Jim encouraged young people to look at careers in farming and also mentored young farmers. He helped many start their farm careers providing the opportunity to gain experience, by exchanging “sweat equity” for the use of his equipment. In the past few years, Jim received great joy from transitioning operations of the family farm to his two grandsons. He was always eager to share his ideas with others. Survivors include: Wife Jayne Schriver, Bluffton, IN. Daughters Debbie (Travis) Slusher, Adel, IA. Ann (Curt) Dine, Sherrills Ford, NC. Kelly (Kevin) Schreiber, Bluffton, IN. Grandchildren: Jacob (Natalie) Slusher, Logan (Meghan) Slusher, Kaitlyn Schriver, Kyle Dine, Cameron Dine, Addison Schreiber, Harrison Schreiber and Maryn Schreiber, Great Grandchildren: Trey and Peyton Slusher. Siblings: Carol (Rodger) Carpenter, Bill (Dee) Schriver, Sally (Jim) Kocher, Don (Jane) Schriver, Hiro (Marisha) Shibuya, Paul (Kelli) Schriver, Larry (Kathy) Schriver, Randy (Jill) Schriver, Ted (Tracy) Schriver, Ken (Mary) Schriver, Ellen (Mark) Stephenson, and Brother-in-law David Gaines. Jim was preceded in death by: his Mother and Father and son Steven Jay Schriver. Visitation will be Friday October 31, 2014 from 12:00 to 4:00 PM and 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held Saturday, November 1, 2014 at 10:30 AM at Life Community Church, 428 S Oak St, Bluffton, with pastor Chad Ringger officiating. Visitation will also be held from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM prior to the service at the Church. Interment will take place at the Stahl Cemetery, Petroleum, IN. Memorials may be made to the Wells County 4-H Association and Farm Bureau Young Farmers Association. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home, Bluffton, IN. Online condolences may be made at www.thomarich.com

James E. Schriver

February 23, 1941 - October 27, 2014