James Colson Schoonmaker

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University of Florida

James Schoonmaker Obituary

SCHOONMAKER, JAMES COLSON Jacksonville - Colonel James Colson Schoonmaker, USAF passed away Wednesday, February 21, 2007 in Jacksonville, FL. Colonel Schoonmaker was born to Colonel Lucas E. and Gladys Colson Schoonmaker at Ft. McClelland, Alabama, November 20, 1934. He was educated in Florida schools and was graduated from the University of Florida in 1952 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was a member of Beta Theta Pi fraternity, played trumpet in the University band and symphony. He was commissioned as Lieutenant in the Army in 1952 and retired from the Army Reserve in 1994. He was with the special operations command at MacDill Air Force Base. He received the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Reserve Commendation Medal, 3 oak leaf clusters. He was a member of St. Marks Episcopal Church, Jax. Past Senior Warden St. Marks Episcopal Church Tampa, FL, Florida Yacht Club, Ancient Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine, Morocco Temple, Jacksonville Master Mason Lodge 41, Gainesville, FL, retired as a director for the Hillsborough County School System in 1997. Colonel Schoonmaker is survived by his loving wife, Verna Lois McClain Schoonmaker; sons: James E. Schoonmaker, Michael C. Schoonmaker, David L. Schoonmaker (Laura); step-sons: Lynwood D. Ingham, Jr. (Lisa), James H. Ingham (Linda); step-daughters: Lynda D. Ingham, Elizabeth Ingham Smith (Kevin); brother, Eric E. Schoonmaker; sisters: Eleanor S. Hutcheson and Dorothy S. Henderson (James). Services will be held at St. Marks Episcopal Church, Friday February 23, 2007 at 10:00AM. Internment will follow immediately at Evergreen Cemetery, Gainesville, FL. The family will receive visitors at the family home at 6:00PM. In lieu of flowers the family wishes contributions to be made in Colonel Schoonmaker's memory to the Episcopal High School Foundation Fund, 4455 Atlantic Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32207. Arrangements by HARDAGE-GIDDENS RIVERMEAD FUNERAL HOME, 950 Park Ave, Orange Park, FL.

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Published by Gainesville Sun from Feb. 22 to Feb. 23, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for James Schoonmaker

9 Entries

Helene Fernandez Bullen

February 16, 2021

Dear Dorothy Schoonmaker Henderson, We in "the gang" have happy memories of Colson's happy disposition, his tremendous pride in his (then) only grandson, many interests. We were friends for so many years. God bless Colson — we miss him still. No doubt he and my beloved Pierce have had a reunion in heaven. Love, Helene

Mary Kerr

March 20, 2007

Dear Verna Lois,
Please accept our deepest sympathy.
Our hope is that the concern and care of family and friends will support you in this sad time. Please know that ur prayers are being offered for you. I wish we were closer geographically, but we are close in spirit.
Peace...
Mary and Jack Kerr

Jack & Mary Kerr

February 25, 2007

Mary and I attended Robert E. Lee High School, Jacksonville, Florida with Verna Lois, while Mary and Verna Lois were in the same class of 1955. Then by coincidence, Jim and I attended in 1971 the fifth year of Command & General Staff College in Tampa, Florida. Then Jim and I remained in the USArmy Reserves in the Tampa Bay Area, he in the 31st Boat Command, and I in the Tampa USAR School until I was transferred to Atlanta, Ga. in 1980, and then susequently, to So. Barrington, Illinois in 1985. At the time, we never knew that Jim and Verna Lois were married until Verna Lois and Mary's 45th high school reunion at Jacksonville Beach in 2000. We still live in the Chicagoland Area of Illinois, but it was great to be able to renew old acquaintances of years gone by, and to realize that this truly is a small world. We, again, were able to revisit with Jim and Verna Lois during Verna Lois and Mary's 50th Class Reunion in Ponte Vedera Beach, Florida, and still talk about all the times, while I was in the Tampa Bay Area, from 1971 - 1980, that I would see Jim, but not knowing that he was married to Vena Lois. All those years, I was associated with the Boy Scouts in The Tampa Area, Jim's reserve unit would transport us to and from one of the islands off the Florida coast, never knowing that Jim and Verna were husband and wife. Jim was one of the greatest, a good friend, who will be missed!!

Brenda Pressly-McCoy

February 23, 2007

My prayer for you and your family is that God will bring you comfort through the memories and love you shared. I enjoyed working with Mr. Schoonmaker during his years with the School District. I know he will be greatly missed.

Brenda Pressly-McCoy

Pierce & Helene BULLEN

February 22, 2007

We shared our youth and carefree younger days with Colson, and our friendship continued as we grew older, with the added pleasure of knowing you, Verna. It is wonderful that Colson found personal happiness through you.

We are so very sad at Colson's premature death. Our hearts are with you and the family, his brother and sisters, his children and yours. We will pray for all of you.

Helene and Pierce

David and Judy Nagle

February 22, 2007

Dear Verna, David and I our praying for you and your family. Love you.

Bruni Magent

February 22, 2007

My prayers and thoughts are with all of you at this time. I have many fond memories of working for Mr. Schoonmaker which will always remain in my heart. Verna my sincerest sympathy to you and the family. Love Bruni and Bill Magent

Darrell & Sharon Browning

February 22, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Southeastern Mechanical Services Fabrication Shop Personnel

February 22, 2007

Please accept our deepest sympathies.

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