James Edward Schols, a lifetime Bow, Washington resident, passed away peacefully at home on Friday, August 30, 2024, at the age of 85 with his loving family by his side.  He was born August 14, 1939, in Kent, WA, the son of Pete and Lena (Pille) Schols.

He attended Edison Elementary School and graduated from Burlington-Edison High School with the class of 1958 where he participated in football, but his love was wrestling.  After graduation, he joined the United States Army where he was stationed in the armor division at Fort Hood in Kileen, Texas and was selected for the wrestling team.  While on a leave, he came home and fell in love with Sally Ann Helsel whom he married at the La Conner United Methodist Church September 6, 1963.  In February 1964, their son, James Tod was born in TX followed by their daughter, Lena Marie in 1965 in WA after discharging from the Army.  Jim and Sally built a beautiful home and farm on their dream property in Bow which he had purchased while in the Army.   After discharge from the Army, he spent his time working in the refineries and farming.  Eventually he left the refineries to become the owner and operator of Jim Schols Excavating and Mowing while continuing to farm all their properties.

As a teenager and then early in their marriage, Jim enjoyed team roping with the Mount Vernon Riding Club and competing in the local Mount Vernon and Sedro-Woolley Rodeos each year.  He shared many fond memories with the Peths, Weidenbachs, Knutzens and so many others in the roping arena.  During the summers and every Father’s Day, you would find Jim and Sally camping at Lake Curlew and then Conconully at Shady Pines Resort.  He loved his time on the water fishing with the kids before they became old enough to stay home and finish haying while he was away.  He also loved and became active with the local lawn mowers racing club traveling as far down south as Randall to compete.  He loved to show off his racing mower known as the ‘Flying Dutchman’ which he has stored to this day.  He was proud of his kids and enjoyed watching their sports and equine disciplines.  What he was most proud of though was the strong work ethic he and Sally instilled in them both.

Unfortunately, Jim lost the love of his life, Sally to cancer in 2001.  This loss hit him hard and one he truly never got over.  He would often say they were robbed of their retirement dream.  With this loss came many changes, one with the sale of the homestead in 2004 where he could slow down and retire.  Soon he found love and companionship with Nancy after being set up with mutual friends.  They traveled in their motor home, camping and fishing, traveling to Alaska and enjoying time with friends they met within the Motorhome Club.  They also became ‘winter birds’ for a time being after Nancy purchased a home in Arizona.  Jim loved these trips for many years until it became too hard to travel.

Jim is survived by his children, James Tod (Teri) Schols and Lena Marie (Troy) Thompson; grandchildren, Devan, Levi (Katelyn), Katie, Nathen; great grandchildren, Wyatt and Garritt; several nieces and nephews who always said, ‘Uncle Jim is the strongest man I know”.  Also survived by his significate other, Nancy and her family, Andy (Carolyn) Conner, Debbie (Bill) Hartley; grandchildren, Aly, Dylann, Duke, Archie and Iver.

Jim was preceded in death by his loving wife, Sally Ann Schols; parents, Pete and Lena Schols; brothers, Bob Schols, Bill Schols and Larry Schols; sister, Linda Gunter; brothers-in-law, John Gunter and Jerry Helsel.

A Graveside Service will be held at the Bow Cemetery at 11:00 am, Monday, September 9, 2024.  The family suggests memorials be made to your favorite charity. Share your memories of Jim and sign the online guest register.