James E. Schriver

Feb. 23, 1941-Oct. 27, 2014

 

James E. “Jim” Schriver, 73, of Bluffton, Ind., passed away at 9:31 p.m. on Oct. 27, 2014, at Lutheran Hospital in Fort Wayne. Jim was born Feb. 23, 1941, in Elyria, Ohio, the son of the late Henry and Dorothy (Langshaw) Schriver.

Jim graduated from Midview High School, Grafton, Ohio, in 1959 and from The Ohio State University in 1964 with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural economics and rural sociology. He married Jayne Gaines on June 9, 1963, at Belden Methodist Church in Ohio.

Jim was a 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, the 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 Indiana 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. He 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; daughters Debbie (Travis) Slusher, Adel, Iowa, Ann (Curt) Dine, Sherrills Ford, N.C., and Kelly (Kevin) Schreiber, Bluffton; 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 parents and son Steven Jay Schriver. Visitation was Oct. 31 at the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life Service was held Nov. 1 at Life Community Church, with pastor Chad Ringger officiating. Interment took place at the Stahl Cemetery, Petroleum, Ind. Memorials may be made to the Wells County 4-H Assoc. and Farm Bureau Young Farmers Assoc. Arrangements were entrusted to the Thoma/Rich, Lemler Funeral Home, Bluffton. Online condolences may be made at www.thomarich.com