James E Schad

FITCHBURG-Ready to reunite with the wife he lost in November, James E. Schad, age 82, died peacefully Wednesday, April 3, 2013, at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. Jim was born to James A. and Marjorie (Carlton) Schad in Hinsdale, Ill. He graduated from high school in Rockville Centre, N.Y., and later enrolled in the College of Forestry at the State University of New York in Syracuse. Jim interrupted his studies to serve in the U.S. Air Force Reserve from May 1951 until September 1952. After returning to school and earning his paper technology degree, Jim was hired by Consolidated Papers as a chemist and relocated to Wisconsin Rapids. It was there that Jim met the love of his life, Margaret Ann McCoy. They married June 7, 1958, and welcomed a daughter and son. In 1965, they moved to Stevens Point where they lived until moving to Madison in 2010. Jim spent his entire 38 year career with Consolidated Papers. Through a series of promotions and transfers within the company, Jim was named manager of the Wisconsin River Division in 1972. He was the manager of the Kraft Division in Biron when he retired in 1992. Jim was active in his community serving on the board of directors for the Portage County United Way, the Stevens Point YMCA, the Stevens Point Industrial Development Corporation, and the Portage County Ice Age Trail. He was also a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church and various local and national professional organizations. When not at work Jim loved to be outdoors. He enjoyed vegetable and flower gardening, caring for his lawn, hiking along the Ice Age Trail, walking the Green Circle trails and, during the winter months, cross country skiing and even snow shoveling. During his retirement years Jim relished spending time with his four grandchildren. He was always ready to play, to listen, or to share a smile and a laugh with them. In addition to visiting their grandchildren, Jim and Marge traveled throughout the United States, to Europe and to Aruba. As enthusiastic lifelong learners, the couple also took part in senior programming at the Lincoln Center and library in Stevens Point and the Attic Angel Community in Madison. Jim is lovingly remembered by his sister, Marjorie Schad of Corvallis, Ore.; his daughter, Susan and her husband Greg, and their sons Trevor and Ethan of West Des Moines, Iowa; and his son Jay and his wife Celia, and their children, Elliot and Natalie of Fitchburg. Also surviving are his sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Kennedy of Phoenix; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard and Katherine Steel of Libertyville, Ill.; his brother-in-law, Alan McCoy of Sparta; and many nieces and nephews. Preceding Jim in death was Marge, his wife of 54 years; his parents; his sister and her husband, Ann and Ray Westberg; his brother-in-law, Robert McCoy; his brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Stuart and Shirley McCoy; and his sister-in-law, Nancy McCoy. A memorial service in celebration of Jim's life will be held at MEMORIAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 5705 Lacy Road, Fitchburg, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2013. The family will greet relatives and friends at the church beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday. All are invited to share in the luncheon after the service. The family gratefully thanks Jim's dedicated team of private caregivers who surrounded him with empathy and tender care: Shannon, Mary Ann, Mary, Judy, Cheryl, Mandy, Karin, and Chris. Their commitment to enhancing Jim and Marge’s quality of life provided the family great assurance and comfort. In addition, they offer thanks to the helpful staff at Attic Angel Place. Finally, the family extends heartfelt thanks to the exceptionally attentive and compassionate staff at Agrace HospiceCare during his journey’s end. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations you might consider be made to the Lincoln Center in Stevens Point, Wisconsin, or to Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. The family will greet relatives and friends at the church beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday. A memorial service in celebration of Jim's life will be held at MEMORIAL UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST, 5705 Lacy Road, Fitchburg, at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10, 2013.