James Michael Schimming

James "Jim" Schimming, born February 24th 1949 in Anaconda, Montana, passed away on August 7, 2024. He was blessed to have spent his last hours doing what he loved - playing cards with his friends and coming home where he engaged in an invigorating conversation with two of his beloved GRANDchildren Ky and Sean, James was watching the Olympics with “ his wife, his life” Paula when he made his made his final journey to Heaven.

Unbeknownst to him, in November 2013 James prepared the outline for what will now tell the story of his life; in a facebook post of all things which is befitting if you knew James.

James grew up on Birch Street with a wonderful family (Ray and Florence) dad and mom; his brothers (Jack Paul and Matt) and 2 sisters (Rita and Lorraine). Survived 12 yrs of Catholic school: 8 at St. Peter's and 4 at Anaconda Central Catholic High School. Spent a short time doing college, San Francisco 1967 was not the place to go to school - too many distractions (LOL). Got Married and fired (divorced - 1968 -1973). Got 3 of the world's finest (Jim Rose and Christina) from that adventure. Met the love of my life (Paula) in July 1974. Got married in Nov 39 yrs ago and she still likes me [or what has now become over 50 years ago - and yes, she still liked/loved him]. We added our wonderful daughter Chantel to enhance our lives. Spent 15 yrs on the smelter before moving to the construction life with a little auctioneering and general handyman fun in between. 33 of those years an Ironworker. Retired Oct 3 2001 (last job on the Bay Bridge in San Francisco) Now enjoying traveling, and my wife, kids, and 8 GRANDkids 6 boys (Trent Cody Jaymin Kynan Sean and Bradyn) 2 girls (Danika and Skyla). [Now with the addition of three wonderful grandchildren Natalie, Emily, Khloe; one great grandchild, Atticus, and one on the way.]

As big a man as James was, the life he lived was even bigger. He enjoyed many years of coaching, hosting and attending legendary holiday parties (including playing Santa at Christmas and having the best Halloween costumes), and was a dedicated Anacondan. James started out as a faithful ACCHS alumni, until such time as his children became Copperheads - from that point forward he was loudly and proudly their biggest fan (with a brief stint as a Wardens fan). James never missed a chance to support all sporting events in Anaconda, especially attending Goosetown softball games for all those he knew. When it came to college Sports, you couldn’t find a bigger supporter of UofM Grizzly Athletics.

Throughout his life, James spent his time traveling across the country making sure to hit all 50 states, a feat he was proud of. After retirement, James continued his love for traveling, part of the drive for that came from wanting to support his Chicago teams, especially Da Bears and The Blackhawks. Spending half of his time in Las Vegas he developed a fondness for his “local teams” especially the Vegas Golden Knights and The Aces.

When he wasn’t traveling his entire focus was on his GRANDchildren and their growing families; throwing in some time for his Ironworker buddies, and attending Hibernians events.

James enjoyed getting his daily steps in by going on walks and stopping for a little social interaction on the way.

James was predeceased by his parents, Florence Margaret and Raymond; his brothers and sister Raymond, Matt, Jack, Rita (Tom), and Paul (Shannon). He is survived by his wife Paula; baby sister Lorraine; sisters-in-law RoseAnn and Linda; his children Jim (Susan) Schimming, Rose (Gregg) Wells, Christina “Chirstmas” Schimming, and Chantel Schimming; his 11 GRANDchildren and 1 great GRANDson. He was blessed to be surrounded by numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family which includes the many people he loved and accepted as family. He was well known for passing out the best hugs.

In lieu of flowers memorials in honor of Jim can be made to St. Judes online or by mail, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Shriners online or by mail, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30am on Friday, August 16, 2024 at Holy Family Church, 217 W Pennsylvania St., Anaconda. Visitation will begin at 9:30 am with the Ancient Order of the Hibernian ceremony at 10:20 am before Mass begins. Rite of Committal will follow with a "6 Beer Procession" to Mount Olivet Cemetery in Anaconda. In lieu of a luncheon, the family invites you for a celebration of his life at 2pm, Saturday, August 17, 2024 at Benny Goodman Park (Green Grass) in Anaconda.

Visit www.longfellowfinneganriddle.com to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of James. Longfellow Finnegan Riddle Funeral Home and Crematory has been privileged to care for James and his family.