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BORN

1946

DIED

2025

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James Scheller Obituary

James (Jim) Scheller, 79

In Loving Memory of James (Jim) Irvin Scheller

January 2, 1946 – May 17, 2025

Age: A young 79

Birthplace: Wallace, Idaho



With deep sorrow and heavy hearts, we announce the passing of James (Jim) Irvin Scheller, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, uncle, and friend. Jim tragically lost his life in a helicopter crash on May 17, 2025, near the Prineville, Oregon airport, where he kept his helicopter hangared. He had been pursuing his passion for aviation and was on a routine helicopter training flight with his instructor at the time. The cause of the accident is currently under investigation by the FAA.



James was a man of faith who loved the Lord with all his heart. He was actively involved in ministry and outreach, always eager to share his faith and serve others. We take comfort in knowing he is now with Jesus, though his absence leaves an immeasurable void in our lives.



A gifted athlete, James was inducted into the Wallace High School Athletic

Hall of Fame in 1993 for his accomplishments in track and field. Remarkably,

he still holds Idaho's 220-meter sprint record. His athletic achievements

earned him a full track scholarship to Washington State University, where he completed his degree.



James had an inventive spirit and held two patents: one for Garnetread Tire Tread and another for the Grimebuster Truck Wash System. His entrepreneurial drive led to interviews and features, including a notable YouTube interview showcasing his innovations: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C9mMX0YdpvY&t=519s



He also served in the past as President of Shoshone Silver Mining Company in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho-a legacy business founded by his father, Irvin Scheller, and carried forward with pride.



Passionate about health and wellness, James taught numerous classes on healthy eating and even hosted a health-focused radio program in the Portland, Oregon area at one time. His teachings can still be viewed online: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=emU1jJxgI6c





Preceded in death by father Irvin Scheller and mother Marie. James is survived by his devoted and loving wife of nearly 40 years, Trish Scheller. He also leaves behind two sons from a previous marriage:

• James Scheller Jr. and wife Gina, along with grandchildren Annabelle and Dasia, and two additional grandchildren, Samantha and Sydney.

• Jeffrey Scheller and wife Gina, with grandchildren Jessica and Allison.



He was especially close to his nephew, Rusty Davis, and Rusty's wife Jackie, and their daughters Grace, Olyvia, and Amelia of Bend, Oregon. Jim is also survived by his sister Janet Morse; nephew David and wife Denise; and niece Debi and husband Rusty Price of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. His many friends and extended family members will deeply miss him.

Jim lived a vibrant life full of curiosity, faith, creativity, and love. His legacy will continue through the many lives he touched.

We will all love and miss him-always



In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to James' flight instructor and dear friend Dan Wackerman's "gofundme "account. Dan is currently in critical condition.

Link: https://www.gofundme.com/f/life-after-a-helicopter-crash-for-the-wackermans



James' service will be held on Friday, May 30, 2025. Please contact Redmond Memorial Chapel for more details. (541)548-3219.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Coeur d'Alene / Post Falls Press on May 28, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for James Scheller

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2 Entries

Michael L. Nonini

June 2, 2025

Memories of a Classmate
The early 60s gifted me a memory that will forever be etched in my mind-riding on a float, feeling the excitement of the moment. I was positioned just over the rear tandem axle, with my classmate on the outside. Then, suddenly, a loud crack split the air as the lumber beneath us gave way. In a terrifying instant, my classmate went over the side, right in front of the moving wheels. Instinct took over-we grabbed each other´s arms, and somehow, miraculously, managed to keep him from going under the tires. For decades, we laughed and marveled at how he escaped with nothing more than road rash from the pavement and tires.
The 70s brought our paths together once more when my career led me into the tire industry, and a classmate needed my help. As fate would have it, a tire dealer was needed to help bring a new idea to life-a product called Garnetread. My largest account, Wyatt´s Tire in Eugene, agreed to help, and soon, Garnetread recaps were produced. Being young and full of ideas, we weren´t too concerned when the garnets did an excellent job of eating the expensive spider gears in the account´s Orbitread Machine!
The adventures didn´t stop there-his tires even found their way onto a State Police Cruiser for testing on an ice rink. We proved Garnetread worked wonders on ice. However, we also confirmed that when you add water on top of ice, traction disappears altogether. Proof? That cruiser going straight through the rink wall.
The 80s saw our lives take separate directions, but our friendship remained. We continued brainstorming, scheming, and sharing long conversations over the phone at least a couple of times a year.
By the 90s, our conversations turned to life changes and career shifts. Somewhere along the way, we ended up discussing my dislike of buying cars-a topic that, unsurprisingly, led us to talk about gold. The best moments, though, were spent reminiscing about our families, marveling at life´s twists and turns, and laughing about how lucky we had been. You know, just good, old-fashioned classmate stuff.
The 2000s brought visits to Phoenix, where our tradition of breakfast at Chompies began. A great place to cheat on your doctor, though my classmate never strayed from his commitment to healthy eating. With every meal came a good-natured lecture about my dietary choices, always ending in laughter and mutual respect. We would lose track of time, caught up in conversations about automobiles, boats, mining, helicopters, and the undeniable blessing of having beautiful wives who supported our adventures.
But perhaps the best moment of all came last year-the gathering of classmates to celebrate each other and the families we had built.
We are all going to miss Jim.

Marla Lower Wentner

May 25, 2025

Jim was a wonderful human being, and was my classmate in our Wallace High School Class of 1964. He was always interesting, energetic and kind to all.
I was lucky enough to see him and have lively conversation during our last reunion two summers ago. Walk softly and gently, Jim. You are at rest now.

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To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

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717 SW 6th St, Redmond, OR 97756

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