James R. Schoeplein

James Richard Schoeplein ("Jim" ) passed away on Monday November 12th at Hospice of Mount Joy surrounded by loving family.  Jim had been ill for 3 1/2 years suffering from lymphoma.  He was born in Cleveland, Ohio on November 16, 1934, the son of the late Wilfred C. and Mary H, Schoeplein.

Jim was devoted to his wife of 54 years, Sheila Killeen Schoeplein, who survives him as well as to his sons Jeffrey F. Schoeplein of Sterling, VA, Jim Schoeplein Jr. of Lancaster; daughters, Michelle Archer of Houston, TX, Monica Larson(Eric) of Westlake Village CA., and Megan Mergenhagen (Bob)of Royersford, PA.  In addition he was a loving grandfather to Lindsey and Caitlyn Schoeplein; Robert and Meredith Archer; Madeline, Jack, Mary Kathryn, Owen and Sean Larson; and Cecelia and Andrew Mergenhagen.   He was the dear brother of the late Charles W. Schoeplein of Ocean City, Md, and surviving siblings Karen (Ron) Turgeon of St. Louis, MO, Donald K (Connie) Schoeplein  of Atlanta, GA, and Kevin D. (Lisa) Schoeplein  of Peoria, IL.

A devout Catholic Jim was an active member of St. Anthony of Padua Church serving as a Eucharistic minister of Communion and past member of the Pastoral Council — he previously had fulfilled these two  functions while a member of St. Anne’s Parish.  He received his education at St. Christopher’s School, Rocky River, OH, Benedictine High School in Cleveland, OH and was a graduate of Xavier University in Cincinnati, OH.  He remained a strong advocate of Catholic education supporting Lancaster Catholic High School long after his five children and two granddaughters had graduated.  An Ecumenical interest led Jim to become involved with the Lancaster County Council of Churches serving on their Board of Directors from 2002 until 2006. He was a member of the Lancaster Knights of Columbus #867.

In Jim’s business career he always had his eyes open to what was new and innovative.  He began his career with National Screw and Manufacturing in Cleveland, later becoming a salesperson for Accurate Threaded Fasteners of Chicago, and United Screw and Bolt in Philadelphia.  He found his real "home " in 1967 when he moved to Lancaster to become a member of the National Bearings "family".  From his starting position as Sales Manager, he went on to become Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of that Company until he left in August of 1991.  To his death, he had a special place in his heart for Boyd Heath, the owner of the company with whom he shared many special endeavors.  In 1991, Jim fulfilled a life-long ambition to open his own Manufacturer’s representative agency, Quadradix, later Quadradix International, and stayed actively involved until the latter stages of his illness.  During these years he served on the Boards of the Cycle Parts and Accessories Assn. and the Anti-Friction Bearings, Manufacturer’s Association.

Whatever, he did, he did with enthusiasm and with his love for and interest in people.  He enjoyed sports and was an avid hunter, fisherman, skier, and he never met a golf course he didn’t like.  One of his greatest joys came from his membership in the Tucquan Club and the time he spent "on the river" with fellow Tucquaners.  He also enjoyed taking cruises with the Lancaster Pirates.

He was a 40 year Member of the Lancaster Country Club where he served on the Board of Governors, a past member of Meadia Heights Golf Club, and Seaview Country Clubs.  He and Sheila traveled extensively often on golf junkets to Ireland and Palm Desert, CA.  He enjoyed his semi-annual Cruises with his siblings and Mike and Karen Killeen .  Family was paramount to him and each year the extended family gathered for an August vacation, first in Canada, then in Hilton Head, S.C.  He also was member of the Lancaster Liederkranz  and loved to comment that his list of club memberships included Costco and he wanted that in his obituary

The visitation will be held from 3P.M. to 5 P.M. and 7P.M. to 9 P.M. on Thursday, November 15, 2012 at the Charles F. Snyder Jr. Funeral Home & Crematory, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA.   A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 501 East Orange Street, Lancaster, PA at 11 A.M. on Friday, November 16, 2012 with Father Allan Wolfe as Celebrant. Burial will follow Mass at St. Joseph’s New Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to St. Anthony Church at the above address, Lancaster Catholic High School Scholarship Fund, 630 Juliette Ave., Lancaster,PA, 17601, or Hospice and Community Care of Lancaster County 685 Good Drive, Box 4125, Lancaster, PA 17604-4125. To send an online condolence, please visit SnyderFuneralHome.com. Charles F. Snyder Jr Funeral Home & Crematory 560-5100