James T. Schrage

1928 - 2017

James T Schrage

"Jim" or "Pop" was born February 8, 1928 to Bernard and Magdalen Schrage. He passed away peacefully on January 30, 2017.  He grew up in Ludlow, Kentucky where he learned the value of hard work and love of family, church and country.  He worked in his parents' store, Schrage Hardware, making deliveries from a young age. He left school at age 16, to work for Coca Cola, and finished school at night. Upon graduation from High School, Jim enlisted in the United States Army in 1945 and served in Japan.

Jim met Mary Rose Wesselman Schrage on a blind date and they married 6 months later.  They had six children and 49 years of pure bliss! They lived in Indianapolis for most of their married life, and later split time between Indianapolis and Tequesta, Florida.  Beginning on their 28th anniversary and for the next 32 years, Jim and Mary took their entire family, up to 34 people, on family vacations. They were always a blast! Jim and Mary were avid fans and season ticket holders to both the Cincinnati Reds, the Bengals and IU football and basketball and had many great times in their motor home at the games.

Jim loved his work, and 10 minutes after meeting anyone, he asked "Have you gotten your real estate license?" and worked for Marathon Oil buying service station sites, then FC Tucker, heading the Commercial Division. He started the Jim Schrage Company in 1983, representing commercial real estate buyers and sellers until he retired. ,

He reveled in family life and adored children. Sadly, Jim lost his wife, Mary in 2000.  He is survived by 6 children--Ann Schrage, J.T. (Cathy) Schrage, Bill (Debbie) Schrage, Joe (Pam) Schrage, Jane (Jon) Selsemeyer, and Jean (Don) Kingen. He had 16 grandchildren--Andrew (Lainie) Schrage, Julie (Chris) Nelson, Walker Walls, Christy Schrage, Lisa Schrage, Bradley (Katee) Schrage, Abby Schrage, Lindsey Schrage, Maggie Schrage, Jennifer Schrage, John Schrage, Eric Selsemeyer, Erin Selsemeyer, Kami (Scott) Weisgerber, Jada Kingen, Gena (Jason) Turner. He had 11 great grandchildren--Drew, Ben, and Max Schrage; Alexis, Elliot and Olivia Nelson; Luke and Norah Schrage; Brayden, Rylan and Clara Turner. He is also survived by his sister Virginia Cleary. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the ALS Association Indiana Chapter in memory of Mary R. Schrage.

Calling will be held on Monday, February 6, 2017 from 4-7 p.m. at Leppert Mortuary - Nora Chapel, 740 E. 86th Street, Indianapolis, IN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Tuesday, February 7, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Luke Catholic Church, 7575, Holliday Dr. East, Indianapolis, IN. Calling will also be held at the church on Tuesday morning 1 hour prior to the Mass. To share a memory, please visit www.leppertmortuary.com.