James “Jim” Schili passed away of a heart attack on May 29, 2021, while traveling home from a beautiful family vacation in Cocoa Beach, Florida.

Jim was born on August 31, 1948, to Anna Rose (Fals) Schili and Edward Paul Schili in Evansville, Indiana. Upon graduating from Memorial High School in 1966 he immediately joined the Air Force and served two tours in Vietnam. Upon Jim’s return home, 9 inches taller and many pounds heavier, he found his lifelong passion for rugby and joined the Evansville Rugby Club where he played until 1985. At the age of 28, Jim played football at the University of Evansville. Jim spent the majority of his career working in the beer distribution business and retired from Working Distributors in 2014.

Innovative, determined, and with an eye for detail, Jim tended to many significant home improvement projects. He loved a good mystery novel, the challenge of a brain teaser, the relaxation of an evening of his favorite television shows or finding a rugby match to view. Most of all, Jim enjoyed spending time with family. Jim and Sandy enjoyed many memorable vacations, especially those that included their children and grandchildren. He delighted in his grandchildren’s achievements, whether academically, athletically, or personally – simply being in their presence brought a smile to his face.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents as well as his brother-in-law, Bill Smith.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 42 years Sandy; children Russell Morse (Andrea) of Harrogate, England, Kristen Northern (Kirk) of Greenwood, IN; grandchildren Emilee Wise (Nate) of McCordsville, IN, Seth Northern of Greenwood, Paige Northern of Greenwood, James Hair of Harrogate and Katie Hair-Morse of Harrogate; Siblings Vicki Smith and Mike Schili (Marianne); and many loving nieces and nephews.

A celebration of life, including visitation, will take place from 1 – 3:30 pm on Saturday, June 12, 2021, at Sunset Funeral Home. An informal sharing of memories will begin at 3:30 with military rights to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or the American Heart Association.

Condolences(7)

Randy Zion says
June 8, 2021 at 6:16 pm

I was hired as a Bouncer at Funky’s when it first opened – a job I did not want. Thankfully Big Jim showed up, applied and was hired as a (real) Bouncer which put me behind the bar slinging drinks. I was always thankful for that.
Wally Johnson says
June 8, 2021 at 11:22 pm

You will definitely be missed. You were a great person.
Nick and Erin Kettinger says
June 9, 2021 at 12:03 am

Sending our thoughts and prayers-
Scott W Gillespie says
June 9, 2021 at 1:33 pm

Very sorry to learn of Jims’ passing. Jim was a good man. He welcomed me into the rugby community those may years ago when we were all young. He was larger than life which is saying something as he was himself larger than most other people. Please accept my sympathies.
Angie Gray says
June 9, 2021 at 6:05 pm

Sandy, I’m so very sorry to hear about Jim. He was always such a nice man and enjoyed visiting with you both. I hope all of the wonderful memories brings you comfort as well as the thoughts and prayers of those that surround you.
Zac Rickard says
June 10, 2021 at 5:32 am

To my Uncle Jim, you will be dearly missed as much as you were loved. Your loss will leave a void that cannot be filled.
Sandra, Rusty, Kristen, and family – we love you all so very much.

Love, Zac & Tonya Rickard and kids
Jim Babb says
June 21, 2021 at 7:12 am

Larger than life- yea. But if ever there was a definition of “The Gentle Giant”- it was Jim. Cannot think of a time nor a situation where he was not able to infuse laughter or calm. Hoping Sandy and family are coping with their loss- huge shoes to fill.
Saddened by the loss of the Gentle Giant
Jim Babb

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James “Jim” Schili

August 31, 1948 - May 29, 2021

Condolences(7)

Randy Zion says

Wally Johnson says

Nick and Erin Kettinger says

Scott W Gillespie says

Angie Gray says

Zac Rickard says

Jim Babb says

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