James Allen Schimmel

Chapel services for James Allen Schimmel, 74, of Cleveland, Oklahoma will be held 2:00 pm Saturday, May 3, 2008 in the Chapman-Black Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Garnett Cole officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to the Westport Baptist Church Parsonage Fund in memory of Jim. Friends may share a memory online at www.chapman-black.com. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Chapman-Black Funeral Home, Inc.

Jim was born May 14, 1933, the son of Lewis and Ida (Vint) Schimmel. As a young man Jim grew up and received his education in Casa, Arkansas where he later graduated. Jim moved to the Chicago area where he learned the trade as a machinist. Mr. Schimmel remained in the Chicago are until he joined the U.S. Army on September 11, 1956. During his time in the service, Jim was stationed at Ft. Smith, Mineral Wells, Texas, El Paso, Texas and last in Germany. During his time in the military Jim worked in the missile program. He was also active on the research and development team for the use of helicopters during war time for the U.S. Army. Jim met the love of his life Glenna Ruth (Rye) at a U.S.O. dance while he was a chaperon for Elvis Presley. On September 7, 1958, Jim was united in marriage to Glenna at Van Buren, Arkansas. Jim was honorably discharged on July of 1959; he then later reenlisted in October and served his country until 1962. At that time Jim and Glenna moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma where he gained employment with Wheatley Company as a machinist. Jim's duties included making prototypes for the company prior to mass production of the product. Mr. Schimmel remained working for Wheatley Manufacturing through eight different ownerships and over 33 years of loyal service at his retirement in 1995.

Mr. Schimmel was a man that enjoyed working which consumed the majority of his pastime; he also enjoyed flying and airplanes.

James Schimmel passed away Thursday, May 1, 2008 at the Cleveland Manor Nursing Home at the age of 74.

Survivors are his loving wife Glenna of the home, one son Michael T. Schimmel of Arizona, two daughters Mary Sue Schimmel of Seagoville, Texas, Julia L. Hughes and her husband Phil of Cleveland, Oklahoma, six grandchildren Clifton and Autry Wingham both of Seagoville, Texas, Erik and Kelsey Schimmel both of Chandler, Arizona, Monica Hamill and her husband Jon of Grand Junction, Colorado, Megan Brimmer and her husband Adam of Sand Springs, Oklahoma; four great grandchildren DeAutron J., Tyron, Michael Jamel and Kamron D. all of Seagoville, Texas; one brother in law Doug Rye and his wife Phyllis of Benton, Arkansas as well as a host of other relatives and friends. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, infant daughter Audria Gail, four brothers Theo, George A., Robert and E.L. one sister Ina Fay Hamilton as well as two infant sisters Lola May and Ruthie Fay.