James Drury "Jim" Schell

James Drury "Jim" Schell, 90, of Battle Creek died at Bronson Battle Creek on Tuesday, November 20, 2018, after having a heart attack earlier in the day.

Jim was born December 12, 1927 in Niles, Michigan the son of Otis George and Edna Mae (Wright) Schell. He grew up on a farm in Jones, Michigan, graduated from Three Rivers High School and earned a Bachelor's Degree in Agriculture and Engineering from Michigan State University. Jim honorably served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII. He was first employed teaching agriculture and shop and coached multiple sports in Hillman, Michigan. Jim worked in Battle Creek for most of his career with Clark Equipment Company. He moved with Clark to Lexington, KY where he helped establish the engineering labs. He was the Director of Engineering Operations, Forklift Safety and the Safety Director for North America. He was president of JDS Consultants and was part owner of Technical Arts, doing technical arts and writing instruction manuals. He was also the co-owner of Mobility Transport LLC with his wife, Teresa from 2007-2015.

Jim married Janet R. Pass on October 19, 1947 in Three Rivers, Michigan. Sadly, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Janet on April 25, 2001. Jim married Teresa D. (Wolfe) Rothwell on July 1, 2002 in Mackinaw City. Surviving are his wife, Teresa D. Schell; children, Sara J. (John) Kellogg of Traverse City, MI, Susan (Richard) Smith of Battle Creek, Rob (Linda) Schell of Kalamazoo; stepchildren, Ryan (Heather) Elliott and Sara (Brian) Damon all of Battle Creek, Troy Rothwell of Los Angeles, CA; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and his in-laws, Edward and Bonnie Wolfe of Homer, MI. In addition to his first wife, Jim was also preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Jayne Whitney.

Jim was a former member of First United Methodist Church serving in a variety of ways including serving as chairman of the Financial Committee. He was also chairman of the Industrial Truck Association and a consultant engineer for ITA. Jim was active in Boy Scouts with his son. Jim was very knowledgeable and enjoyed teaching about agriculture and engineering. In his younger days, he enjoyed playing tennis, running and sports in general. Jim was an avid MSU fan. He played Euchre, Bridge and attained the "Magic Hand" in Cribbage. Recently he exercised and played cards and games at Marion Burch Adult Day Care Center. Jim will be remembered as a great family man, dedicated to his family and friends; and always trying to help others.

Friends will be received 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where a service to celebrate Jim's life will be held 10:30 a.m. Thursday, November 29, 2018. Military honors, committal and interment will follow at Fort Custer National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to Marian E. Burch Adult Day Care Center, Miles for Memories or the Alzheimer's Association. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.