William James "Jim" Scheffel

William James "Jim" Scheffel

William James "Jim" Scheffel, 81, passed away at home on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009, of esophageal cancer. He was born at a foundling home, in Medford, Ore., on Nov. 13, 1927, and then adopted by William Frederick and Lucille Scheffel. "Jimmy," as he was known in his youth, went to schools in Medford and graduated in 1945.

After a brief stint in the U.S. Coast Guard, he returned to Medford where he went to work with his father at Scheffel Construction. He married Dorothy Anne Harbison and their daughter, Barbara Jean was born in 1950. They divorced two years later. Eventually, he met and married Lois Mary (Judy) Neal, in 1955. Their daughter, Linda Sue Scheffel, was born in 1956. The young family resided at E. Jackson St., in Medford. He was a sales clerk with Barker's Men's Store, Medford. In 1966, he resigned from Barker's Men's store to take over ownership of his parent's business, Scheffel's Antiques, in Jacksonville. There they bought and restored the historical Chris Keegan house for their residence.

Jim was always very active in civic organizations such as, the Lion's Club, Historical Preservation Society, and as a Captain of Jacksonville Engine Company #1. They converted their business into specialty toys in 1986. Their daughter and her husband, Bill, bought the business, Scheffel's Toys, from them in 1992, so that they both could retire.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Judy; brother-in-law, Murray Neal; and sister-in-law, Phyllis Brown. Besides his daughter, Linda and son-in-law, Bill, he is survived by sisters-in-law, Arles Updegraff (Phoenix, Ariz.), Venita Lavato (Lower Marlboro, Md.), Erma Neal (Medford, Ore.); brother-in-law, Leslie Brown, (Bremerton, Wash.); grandson, Michael Graham and his wife, Jennifer (Central Point, Ore.); daughter from his first marriage, Barbara Mattson (Estacada, Ore.); granddaughter, Kate Rinard and her husband Matt, and daughter Brooke, (Sandy, Ore.); grandson Joshua Mattson and his wife, Rodonna, and children Brion, Bella, and Boone, (Estacada, Ore.).

You were never an "easy" person to be with but your fortitude, sense of humor and gift of gab will be remembered always. We will miss you!

There will be no service. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to the Scheffel/Thurston Park project or a favorite charity.