James W. Schneider, 86

(Formerly of Blue Earth) – James Walter Schneider, age 86, of

Bloomington died July 3, 2024 after a short illness, at Fairview Southdale Hospital in Edina.

James, or Jim, was born in 1938 in Blue Earth to W.H. (Jim) and Esther (Halverson) Schneider.

He grew up in Blue Earth where he attended the public schools, graduating in 1956. A top student, he excelled in math and science. He participated in sports and extra-curricular activities. He was on the famed 1956 BEHS basketball team that captured the #2 spot in MN’s 1956 State High School Basketball Tournament. Classmates and members of that tournament team were lifelong friends. Jim attended the U of M, returning home each summer to work at Green Giant. He received a B.S. in aeronautical engineering from the U. In 1961 he joined Lockheed in Sunnyvale, CA. He enjoyed living in California, particularly after meeting his wife-to-be Carol. In 1965, they were married in the Chapel of Mission San Rafael. As beautiful as Bay Area was at that time, the call of Minnesota was strong. In 1967, Jim, Carol and daughter Cheri moved to the Minneapolis area where he worked for IBM. The family settled in Bloomington where son James was born. Jim enjoyed being a dad. He read aloud the classics to his children a chapter (or two) at bedtime. He attended St Michael’s Lutheran Church. As a member of Minnesota Valley Y’s Men, Jim braved many cold December weekends and evenings at the YMCA Christmas tree lot in Bloomington, raising money for camperships/ Camp Menogyn. Always interested in public policy, Jim joined Citizens League and enjoyed Humphrey Institute events. A long-time member of the Russell H. Conwell Toastmasters Club, Jim could never be described as a glib speaker. Instead, he was known for attentive listening and a deliberate manner of speaking. His stories took time, but he always got the details exactly right.

Jim kept current on world affairs and politics. In retirement, he and Carol enjoyed their travels to Egypt, Russia, China and Norway. He also enjoyed fishing trips and visits with friends. Excursions to Terry Armon’s cabin provided fuel for many great stories and always, laughter. Jim is survived by his wife Carol; daughter Cheri; sister Carole (Charles) Olson; brother-in-law Tom (Peg) Kosta; cousins, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents and his son.

Please remember Jim with kind words and deeds for others. And by voting every Election Day.