James Robert Schrader, 76, a 70-year resident of Hoquiam and Aberdeen, went home to be with his Lord Jesus Christ, on Dec. 20, 2016. He was born at home on 11th Ave. in Scottsbluff, Neb., to George and Hannah Schrader on July 18, 1940. His parents paid $5/month rent according to the 1940 census records.

His family moved to Vanport, Ore. during World War II and then to Hoquiam after the war. Jim graduated from Hoquiam High School in 1960 and twice married Peggy Camus, his high school sweetheart. The first time he married Peggy was July 9, 1960. Their son, William James, was born the next year, four days after Jim’s 21st birthday, allowing Jim to legally toast his son’s health. Their son, Bruce Allen, was born almost 14 months later. These two boys were the apple of his eye and he loved and enjoyed them all of his life.

Jim was hired on at the Rayonier Pulp mill after high school. His initial job was cleaning the grates on 5 boilers, which meant that Jim was shoveling the hogfuel leavings off of the grates and into a wheelbarrow all day long. After six months he put in for the silver chemical department and got a job there. He worked at the mills, both pulp and paper, for his entire career spanning 46 years, with his last position being a millwright.

In 1966 Jim and Peggy divorced and Jim became what his son, Bruce, describes as a “Disneyland Dad”. When Jim came to pick his sons up for visits, the boys had the time of their lives with their dad. Weekends with their dad always ended too soon. Jim supported his son, Will’s motorcycle racing successes and was at every race. Jim supported his son, Bruce’s, bowling successes and both boys knew how proud of them he was.

In 1984, Jim and Peggy gave their lives to Christ and married for the second time. Jim announced to his friends at the mill that he was taking time off because he was getting married. When one of the fellows asked him who he was marrying, Jim answered, “the mother of my children” to which the fellow replied, “It’s about time you made her an honest woman!” Jim enjoyed this bit of fun.

Jim and Peggy were devoted Christians and their faith was carried out by serving others. Jim was a Royal Ranger leader, drove retired folks on trips, supported the local Gospel Mission, was part of building his church and was a willing servant of the Lord.

During this time, Jim and Peggy invited two fellows home with them for Christmas. Both fellows were far from home and were staying at the Gospel Mission. One fellow ended up stealing from Jim and Peggy and the other fellow, Larry Hill, became their third son. Larry has been a faithful and loving son ever since. Jim was very proud of Larry and would tell of Larry’s endeavors and travels. Jim took great pleasure in seeing this wandering young man grow in spirit and character and eventually reunite with his family in Ohio with whom he had become estranged. Jim kept every card he ever received and Larry sent more than any one else.

Nine years after they were married for the second time, Peggy went home to be with her Lord. Her death was unexpected and Jim survived her for 23 years. It is a joy to know that they are once again together in Heaven.

Jim loved cars and was a member of the Pushrods of Hoquiam. His 1947 Chevy won accolades and Jim’s friends at the Pushrods were dear to him.

Jim’s son, Will, raced cars for the last 12 years of Jim’s life and Jim never missed a race. He traveled with Will to Oregon, California, Washington and Utah tracks and his presence at the races will be greatly missed.

Jim was kind and gentle and never complained. He lost his right arm in a mill accident in his mid-twenties and had a hook on that arm. That hook could barbeque, tie shoes and just about anything else you can think of. Jim would hold his hook so that his grandbabies could chew on it when they were teething. The cold steel soothed their hot gums and the drool didn’t bother “Papa Hook” a bit.

Jim is preceded in death by his father, George, and his mother, Hannah, and his wife, Peggy. Jim is survived by (son) Will and Joannie Schrader, and their children, Sam, Becca and Hannah; (son) Bruce Schrader and his children, Henry and Jayme; his brother Doug and his wife Ginger, and Doug’s four children, Mike, Danny, Wendy and Kevin (and their children).

Jim was extremely independent and drove himself to Grays Harbor Community hospital on Dec. 3, 2016. He was admitted for sepsis and while there, discovered he had terminal lung cancer. He wanted out of the hospital so Will and Joannie drove him to their home in Happy Valley, Ore. and cared for him until he breathed his last breath, only 17 days later. True to form, even in dying, he didn’t want to trouble anyone.

Jim’s memorial service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, at the Central Park Neighborhood Church, 7010 Bryrwood Dr., Aberdeen. All who knew Jim, or those who simply want to come, are invited to this service. After the service will be a potluck at the church during which the family hopes to hear stories about Jim from the people who knew him through the years. Please come and share your memories. Jim was not the kind to fuss or hurry and his service and potluck will reflect his ways.

If you so wish, please make your memorial gifts to the Union Gospel Mission of Gray’s Harbor or to Central Park Neighborhood Church.