Obituary of James Schoonover

James Russell Schoonover passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his children and grand-children on August 13^th, 2021 listening to favorite hymns being sung and prayers lifted up on his behalf.  It was a proper send off to such a loving patriarch. He was 87 years old and was born May 16, 1934 in Hornell, NY to Leon Carl Schoonover and Mildred May Warriner. He was one of eleven children. Though he was predeceased by all of his sisters and brothers, he is survived by many beloved nieces and nephews. He was an uncle who had a big heart and gave equally big hugs.

Jim loved people and was always making friends wherever he went.  He was outgoing, gregarious, and at times, a prankster.  He loved to laugh and to make others laugh as well. 

James served in the US Army as a radio operator and morse interceptor in the Korean Conflict from June, 1953 to May, 1956. Not long after he was discharged, he met Gail Marie Anderson in Worcester, MA and they were married on June 6, 1959. They moved soon after to West Berlin, NJ where they made their home for 56 years.  At that time Jim was a bus driver for Trailways Bus Service. Together they raised a family of three children and were blessed to live in a neighborhood where families cared for each other and formed life-long friendships. They were active in their church and community.  They were members of Fellowship Baptist Church where James served as a deacon, taught Sunday school and worked in the AWANA program. He loved the Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart and considered it a privilege to share the good news of salvation with everyone he met.  His gift of evangelism was truly remarkable.  It would be his desire that every person come to know his dearest friend and savior, Jesus.  You can ask his children about this good news if you’d like to hear more. It will truly change your life.

Jim was an entrepreneur and throughout his lifetime started several businesses including the Good News Bus Service which operated in Willingboro, NJ until the gas crisis made it cost prohibitive.  He also started RV Doctor and Action Heating and Cooling.  Jim was an amateur radio operator, enjoyed woodworking, electronics and computers, and was a skilled mechanic.

From West Berlin they moved to the Fountains in Atco where they made many friends.  They enjoyed the atmosphere there and Jim was often the person who would befriend new residents and help them to feel included.  One of his friends dubbed him “the social butterfly.” When Gail went to be with her Lord August 9, 2020 his faith, friends, family and precious caregivers helped Jim through this very difficult time.  James and Gail are now together with their Lord and are survived by their three children -- Holly Marie and her husband Michael Cooley, Mark Russell and his wife Linda, Scott Andrew and his wife Lori, 8 grand-children, and 13 great-grandchildren, all whom he loved dearly.

He will be missed by many, but we know he is with His Lord. His example of showing love and kindness to every person will be sorely missed.  He is no longer vision impaired, hearing impaired, riddled and crippled with arthritis, and in need of a new heart valve.  He now has a whole new body. Praise Jesus, who has been with him each step of his earthly journey.

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases;

His mercies never come to an end; 

they are new every morning;

great is Your faithfulness.

Lamentations 3:22-23

Relatives and friends are invited to attend his visitation on Saturday August 21, 2021 from 10:30AM to 11:00AM at the COSTANTINO-PRIMO FUNERAL HOME, 231 W. WHITE HORSE PIKE BERLIN NJ 08009. Memorial service 11:00AM. Interment of ashes in Oak Grove Cemetery, Hammonton NJ will take place privately. To leave lasting condolences or photos, please use the links on this page.

In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to:

Prison Fellowship:

https://www.prisonfellowship.org

Samaritans Purse:

https://samaritanspurse.org