Jack Schram

A people person who was eager to help others, Jack Stanley Schram was a blessing to those around him. He was a longtime resident of the community he loved, and as a man of faith he made a positive impact in the lives of countless others. A devoted family man, Jack enjoyed traveling around the world but was happiest when he was surrounded by his loved ones. A man of great wisdom, he was known for his incredible listening skills. Thrilled to spend the majority of his life with his true love, Jack experienced so many of the best things that life has to offer. Daily life will never be the same without him here, but his timeless legacy will be carried on by those who follow in his footsteps.

Life during the 1930s was anything but easy as the entire decade was covered by the blanket of the Great Depression. There was great hardship all across our great land as the unemployment rate soared, which left countless American families without homes. Despite the hardship so many felt, there were glimmers of hope, too, such as when Jack Schram was welcomed into the world by his parents on May 11, 1934. He was one of four children born and raised in Peru, Indiana, alongside his sisters, Katy and Shirley, and his brother, Russell. In many ways Jack was a young boy of his generation who loved the great outdoors and things like fishing and catching frogs. He also liked music. As a student he attended local schools including Peru High School where he was an excellent trumpet player. Jack also used his talents to play taps for military funerals in the Peru area.

After graduating from high school in 1952, Jack was ready for all that life had in store. He joined the United States Marines in 1954 and served for two years until he was honorably discharged in 1956. Known for working hard in everything he did, Jack moved to the Columbia City area in 1958, working as a timekeeper at GI Case in Churubusco and also as a foreman for Essex Wire in Ligonier. In 1964, Jack took a job as personnel and payroll director for LML Corporation in Columbia City, which later became Riviera Cruiser. He eventually became foremen and superintendent of production there before retiring in 1996. He had also spent some time working for his father-in-law, Bob Cramer, at North Side Body Shop.

In addition to the love he had for his two sons, Michael and James, Jack was blessed to find the love of his true companion, Virginia Jenny (Cramer) Herron. They had met while he was talking to her as the receptionist at Dr. Frank Thompsons office. He convinced her to go out on a date with him, and upon meeting he had discovered that he had seen her before when she was bringing cookies to her late husband who owned the barbershop in Wolf Lake. In fact, when he saw her that the first time he had thought how much he would love to have a wife like her. Soon, Jacks thoughts became a reality as they had fallen deeply in love and were married on March 26, 1970. As a widow, Jenny brought her four children, Penny, Vicki, Kenny, and Bob, into Jacks life. He loved having his family around, and some of his favorite times were when his family came over for dinner or for a celebration of some kind. For years he and Jenny took memorable vacations to Ludington.

Jack was never one to be idle for very long. He was an active part of his community including as a member of Columbia City First Church of God since 1991. In addition, Jack was affiliated with the Columbia City Jaycees and the Columbia City Kiwanis Club where he served as president from 1988 through 1989. Jack also established clubs annual tradition of serving Thanksgiving dinner to the community at First Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed traveling, and his vacations took him all over the United States as well as a cruise and a trip to Austria. As someone who loved working with wood, Jack started refinishing furniture professionally during his retirement years. Over time, he did work for numerous local residents as well as for area antique shops. Jack also built a grandfather clock for each of his six children as well as mantel clocks for his grandchildren. For a brief time, between 1982 and 1984, Jack left Riviera Cruiser and satiated his love for woodworking when he and his wife formed a business, Country Woodcrafts, through which they made and sold wooden toys and reindeer in every state throughout the country.

A man of honor, discipline, and strong moral character, Jack Schram was an inspiration to the people around him. He was a true patriot who was proud to serve his country, and he was deeply devoted to the community he loved. A stranger to none and a friend to all, Jack was the sort of man whom everyone seemed to know. He will never be forgotten.

Jacks family includes his loving wife of 45 years, Jenny Schram; children, Penny (Stanley) Mosher of Columbia City, Vicki Moore of Churubusco, Kenneth Herron of Auburn, Robert Herron of Decatur, Michael Schram of California and James Schram of Fort Wayne; brother, Russell (Martha) Schram of Fishers; sister, Shirley Gahs of Peru; brother-in-law, Richard (Cathy) Cramer of Indianapolis; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson. Jack was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Katy Schram Myers; daughter-in-law, Sharon Herron; brother-in-law, Lavaughn Gahs; grandson, Jessie Mosher; and granddaughter, Robin Herron.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 25, 2015, from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at DeMoney-Grimes, a Life Story Funeral Home, 600 Countryside Drive, Columbia City. Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Friday, June 26, 2015, at the funeral home with Pastor Johnny McCallister officiating. Jack will be buried at Christian Chapel Cemetery at a later date. Memorial gifts may be given in his memory to First Church of God.