Msgt. Jimmie A. Schell

MSGT. Jimmie A. Schell, 69, retired USAF, formerly of Terre Haute, passed away peacefully Dec. 10, 2023 at The Medical Center of Aurora, Colorado with his wife and sons by his side.  Jimmie was born Jan. 9, 1954 in Durham, North Carolina to Grant & Lucy Schell.

Jimmie is survived by his wife of 51 years, Rita (Rice) Schell, whom he married January 20, 1973.  Also surviving are two sons, Peter Schell (Nicole) of Highland’s Ranch, CO and Christopher Schell (Heather) of Evergreen, CO;  four grandchildren, Lachlan Schell, Callie Schell, Corinne Schell and Isla Schell, all of Colorado;  two brothers, Larry Schell & Lloyd Schell; a sister, Alice Velten; a cousin and several nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, and a sister, Ruth Ann McKee.

Jimmie graduated from Terre Haute South Vigo High School in 1972.  He served in the Indiana Air National Guard 181st Fighter Wing for 29 years. After retiring in 2014, he and Rita moved to Colorado to be closer to their sons and their families. Jimmie loved being “Poppy” to his four grandchildren & enjoyed making his special pancakes whenever they spent the night.  He adored spending time with them.

Jimmie worked at Buckley Air Force Base as an IT technician for 5 yrs. In 2020, he was diagnosed with a very aggressive type of renal cancer.  He underwent several surgeries, radiation treatments and several chemotherapy sessions the past two years.  Eventually those treatments took their toll on his body and he was told the end was near.  With the same strength he possessed throughout his cancer battle, he accepted the news calmly.  Our family was blessed to have had time to say everything we needed to say to him and he to us.  He passed as peacefully as he lived.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, January 20, 2024 from 1-3 pm at Callahan Hughes Funeral Home. 605 South 25th St., Terre Haute.  Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 4227 Wabash Ave., Terre Haute.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The American Kidney Fund or The American Cancer Society in Jimmie’s name.