Photo courtesy of Martin-Mattice Funeral Home - Emmetsburg
Jim, JoAnn, and Julie. I am so sorry for your loss. Jimmy was a big part of my childhood. I always looked forward to seeing him at Lakeland and getting ice cream. He always brightened up my day no matter what was going on. I will always cherish the memories I have of him. He is now in heaven with one of his best friends (Dave).
Cassady (Roland) and Joe Gutierrez
August 21, 2025 | Etna, OH | Friend
My thoughts and prayers are with the Shoning family during this difficult time. Jim was a fun loving, caring, big hearted guy that got along with everyone. I am so glad I had the chance to visit with him recently. It is so hard to believe he is now gone. I feel so blessed to have been able to know him. Take care. Sincerely Jo Anderson
Jo Anderson
June 17, 2025 | Omaha, NE | Friend
Thoughts and prayers to the Schoning family. May you feel God's loving arms around you at this difficult time in your lives. Cherish the memories and let them live on in your mind, heart and Soul. A awesome guy gone too early in life for sure.
Brenda Pomeroy
June 17, 2025 | Emmetsburg, IA
So very sorry. What a wonderful guy. Good memories n sympathy to you.
Maureen/Joel Horsley
June 17, 2025 | Ruthven, IA | Friend
Jimmie always had a smile on his face when he worked at Lakeland. Please know that we all are grieving with you. He will be missed by our whole community. You have our deepest condolences.
Pat Molitor
June 17, 2025 | Ruthven, IA | Friend
Joann, Jim and Julie, thinking of you during this sad and difficult time. Sending love and may peace be with you.
Julie Zielstra
June 17, 2025 | London, England
So sorry for your loss! What a great lake neighbor! Always willing to help and talk sports! Will miss him!
Gwen Hoekstra
June 16, 2025 | Fall Creek, WI | Friend
Jim, JoAnn & Julie,
I am so sorry to hear about Jim! May God comfort you during this difficult time. You are in my thoughts and prayers!
Marcia Higgins West
June 15, 2025 | Houston, TX | Friend
I am so very sorry for your loss and I am so fortunate to have met Jim. He was a great friend and a great man he will be dearly missed
Don Hayes
June 14, 2025 | Arizona, AZ | Friend
In Loving MemoryJames P. "Jimmie" SchoningAugust 19, 1959 - June 10, 2025In lieu of flowers, Jimmie's family requests that memorials be given to Bethel Lutheran Church or a charity of your choice.Jimmie's service will be livestreamed on the Martin Mattice Funeral Home Facebook page.VISITATIONThursday, June 19, 20254:00 - 7:00 P.M.Bethel Lutheran ChurchGraettinger, IowaSERVICEFriday, June 20, 202510:30 A.M.Bethel Lutheran ChurchGraettinger, IowaCLERGYRev. John WolfINURNMENTLost Island Lutheran CemeteryRuthven, Iowa
James P. “Jimmie” Schoning, son of James R. “Jim” and JoAnn (Paulsen) Schoning, was born on August 19, 1959 in South Gate, California. He was baptized at St. Lukes Lutheran Church in Huntington Park, California. The family moved to Iowa where Jimmie was confirmed and became a member of Bethel Lutheran Church in Graettinger, Iowa.
Jimmie began his education at the Graettinger Community School and graduated from Ruthven Consolidated School. Following graduation, Jimmie continued his education at Iowa Lakes Community College and received his Bachelor’s Degree from Minnesota State University.
Jimmie moved to Omaha, Nebraska where he was employed at ASHA Distributing. While living in Omaha, Jimmie played in many softball and volleyball leagues. He later returned to Ruthven where he joined the family business, working and managing Lakeland. Jimmie didn’t know a stranger and enjoyed visiting with all of the customers, whether they were locals or people just passing through the area.
Jimmie was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching all types of sporting events. He was an Iowa Hawkeye fan and attended many football games and wrestling meets in Iowa City. Jimmie was also a Wayne State fan and enjoyed having the opportunity to attend their football games as well.
Jimmie spent his summers at the lake and looked forward to his friends and family stopping in to visit. He played in many leagues throughout the years, including pool, darts and bowling. He enjoyed snowmobiling and hunting, going to the races and playing golf in the annual WS Tournament. Jimmie was always ready for a game of Euchre and playing in card tournaments was a favorite for him. Jimmie was a regular at the Wellness Center which gave him the opportunity to make some good friends there.
Being with friends and family was of utmost importance to Jimmie. He cherished the time he spent with his parents, his sister, and his extended family and they were grateful to have him as a son and brother. He was a good friend to all who knew him, and Jimmie maintained his life long friendships that began in childhood and throughout his school years. Jimmie was blessed to have each of you in his life and was grateful to all who supported him and his family in his time of need.
Jimmie passed away Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at the Spencer Hospital, at the age of 65. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Jorgen and Elva (Halvorson) Paulsen and his paternal grandparents, Ernest and Gladys (Behrendsen) Schoning.
He is survived by his parents, Jim and JoAnn Schoning; his sister, Julie Schoning; aunts and uncle, Helen Westfall, Karon Schoning and Bob and Linda Miller; as well as many other relatives and close friends.
Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home
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