James “Jim” Richard Schneider passed away unexpectedly on Friday, December 1, 2023, at his home in Brookfield.
Jim was born August 29, 1955, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Evalyn (Otterstrom) and Robert Schneider. He was the sixth of eight children. Growing up, he always found a way to get into trouble and then crack a joke to get out of it. During elementary school at St. Catherine, he seemed to stay in trouble even earning the nickname “Putz”. He attended Milwaukee Boys Tech, where he was part of the basketball team, and graduated in 1973.
After graduation, he spent most of his career as a general contractor. He fell in love with the craft of carpentry and quickly knew he needed to open up his own business, Schneider Home Builders. He shared his talents on his own terms and was a mentor to many, including brothers-in-law, nephews, cousins, friends, and even sometimes his children. He loved his craft so much that, after deciding to close Schneider Home Builders and spending a few years away, he jumped at the chance to swing a hammer again, working with his son-in-law and close friend, Balpreet.
While he was busy building homes he was also building a family. In 1980, Jim married Jan at St. Sebastian, in Milwaukee, with family and friends surrounding them. One year later, they welcomed their first daughter, Cameran, and continued to grow their family over the next 7 years, welcoming 2 more daughters, Michelle and Caitlin, and a son, Michael. In 1991, Jim built the house of his dreams in Brookfield, a doll house built of oak, where the family grew up. It was a place for folks to gather, whether for a meal, an evening, or even a few months. Eventually, it was a place where Jim and Jan became empty nesters.
Jim loved making people laugh and was quick with a groan-worthy dad joke. He was a caretaker to many. He loved with his whole heart and leaves behind many who were lucky to receive it, including his wife of 43 years, Jan, his children, Cameran (Balpreet Rehal), Michelle, Caitlin (Chris Hage), and Michael (Helen Peros), and grandchildren Kiran, Meena, and Rana. He is also survived by his mother, Evalyn, and siblings Mike (Colleen) Schneider, Kathe Gaarde, Tom Fahl, Barb Wolter, Carl (Mary) Schneider, Karen (David) Hecht, and John Schneider. He had special relationships with his in-laws and was a kind and welcoming uncle to dozens.
Jim is preceded in death by his father, Robert Schneider, brother, Don Schneider, and sister, Jean Fahl.
Jim was a loyal, hard-working man, who loved his work. He was a teacher to many and would always lend his hand when asked. However, it often ended with him finishing the project for you, whether you wanted him to or not. He taught us how to quickly find a 4-letter word at a job site, doing yard work, and on the golf course.
Jim loved to have fun and knew how to bring the laughter. He spent a lot of time with his friends and family whether it was bowling with his CC league, playing cribbage, singing by the bonfire, or cheering on Wisconsin sports teams. He was consistent, and you could often find him sitting at the dining room table working on the crossword while finishing the pot of coffee. Jim left us doing what he did well, caring for his family, and making sure his driveway was clean and safe.
Visitation will be at the Schmidt and Bartelt Funeral Home in Wauwatosa on Saturday, December 9, 2023, from 12 pm until the Memorial Service at 2 pm. After the service, the family invites you to join us to further celebrate Jim's life from 3 - 5 pm at Wanaki Golf Course, N50 W20830 Lisbon Rd, Menomonee Falls, WI 53051.
