A. James "Jim" Schneider Obituary (1944 - 2020)

A. James "Jim" Schneider passed away on April 21, 2020. He was born on November 26, 1944, in Cleveland, Ohio to Ruth (Kaufman) and Sol Schneider. Jim completed his Bachelors Degree in Business from Miami University and a Masters of Education at the University of Hartford. He married his loving wife Sandra Joseph on December 26, 1971. Jim and Sandy settled in Connecticut and Jim began his teaching career at Grove School, a therapeutic boarding and day school, working with struggling adolescents, in Madison, Connecticut. Jim found his niche and he went on to have a very illustrious career working with students with challenges. In 1973 Jim and Sandy moved back to Ohio, living in University Heights and Jim began his work at Bellefaire, working with children with behavioral health concerns. He later became the much loved and respected principal of the Gund School at Beech Brook in Pepper Pike, Ohio. During his career, Jim impacted so many students’, families’ and educators’ lives. He was a strong advocate and a positive force for change. Jim shared his wealth of expertise and experience as a teacher at Kent State University. Jim was also dedicated to his community and enjoyed volunteering for many years. He volunteered at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital and the Ronald McDonald House and was a proud member of the Lion’s Club. Jim lived his community service and held it dear. Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Ruth and Sol Schneider. He is survived by his loving wife of 48 years, Sandy and his son Seth (Karen Jaffe) and their children Zach age 13 and Alex age 10, his daughter Jennifer Dritz (Josh) and their children Sam age 9 and Nora age 8. He is also survived by his brother and sister, Richard and Jo Schneider. Jim was an amazing father. He made sure he was at all of his kids’ sporting events as well as other family activities, and always early! He was ahead of his time, taking the lead managing the household while Sandy pursued her career. Jim was always there for his family. Jim loved all sports and was a lifelong Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns fan. He shared the joy of sports with his family. Jim was a proud Son, Father, Grandfather, Brother, and Uncle. He will be missed by all. Donations in memory of Jim can be made to the Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland. A memorial will be held in the Cleveland area this summer or fall. To receive updates as details become available, please email Jim’s family at TheSchneiderFamily2020@gmail.com.