James R. "Jim" Schellhammer

James R. (Jim) Schellhammer died peacefully at Hospice House on February 21, 2025. He was 92 years old.
Jim was born on December 6, 1932, at Fort Wayne, Indiana to Robert and Frances Schellhammer. When he was a toddler the family moved to Davenport, lowa where he attended Sacred Heart Elementary and St Ambrose Academy. He attended St. Ambrose University for a few semesters, then registered for the draft and joined the US Army. After basic training he was stationed in Europe where he assisted with closing of several Army bases. He returned to Davenport and completed his Bachelor degree from St Ambrose University in 1958. He worked for RCA for a few years, then moved to Chicago as an Admissions Officer for St. Ambrose, then for DePaul University.
He met his wife Eileen on a blind date; she was an Admissions Officer for a rival college and they used to say they "courted" going to College Nights throughout the Chicago area. While working full time both Jim and Eileen completed the Masters degree in Guidance and Counseling from DePaul University.
In 1967 Jim and Eileen moved to Bloomington, Indiana so Jim could pursue his doctorate degree from the Indiana University School of Education. As a graduate student he was the Associate Head Counselor of Willkie Quad dormitory for one year, then was assigned projects in the President's Office and Admissions Office. Upon completion of the Ed.D. degree he was appointed Director of Admissions for Indiana University. In 1983 the family moved to Clarksville, Tennessee where Jim was appointed Dean of Records and Admissions at Austin Peay State University. While there he received several commendations from the American Association of Collegiate Records and Admissions Officers. Upon returning to Indiana University in 1990, Jim continued to work in student services, his last position being Dean of the School of Continuing Studies. Upon retirement in 2006, Jim and Eileen traveled extensively in the United States and Europe. He volunteered at the Volunteers In Medicine clinic, Meals on Wheels, and for the VA as a driver for veterans needing transportation for medic appointments.
Jim was an avid fan of Indiana University football and basketball, having held season tickets for both sports since 1968. In addition to his love of these sports, he loved parties that accompanied these events. His favorite party theme was Oktöberfest and he and Eileen hosted more than 15 of these parties complete with German music, bratwurst, and beer.
Jim is survived by his wife of 59 years, Eileen, and daughter, Mary, of Boulder, Colorado. He was preceded in death by his parents and son Brian.
The family wishes to thank friends and neighbors who have offered support during the past few years, the Veterans Administration that provided equipment and supplies for his care, Amedysis that provided home health care, Village Caregiving that provided loving and capable Caregivers, and Hospice House staff who cared for Jim during his final illness.
Visitation will be at Allen Funeral Home (4155 South Old State Road 37, Bloomington) on Friday, March 7 from 4:00-6:00 pm. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday March 8 at St. Paul Catholic Center (1413 E. 17th Street, Bloomington) preceded by visitation beginning at 9:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations in his memory to St. Vincent
DePaul Association (1999 N Packing House Road, Bloomington, IN 47404) or Bloomington Meals on Wheels (c/o Bloomington Health, PO Box 249, Bloomington IN 47402).
Online condolences and memories may be shared with his family at www.allencares.com.