James Shannon “Jimmy” Schnake
September 23rd, 1964 - October 27th, 2024
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Jimmy's Obituary
James “Jimmy” Shannon Schnake, 60 of South Haven passed away suddenly in Beaufort S.C. on October 27, 2024. Born in South Haven Michigan on September 23, 1964 to James and Alada Schnake.
Jimmy is survived by his wife of 37 years Karen (Lash) Shchnake, son Colton Schnake, daughter Karissa Schnake and grandchildren; Zayden “ Goober “ and Kenneth “ Tooter ”. Also survived by siblings; Carol Lockard, Steve Zantello and Glen Zantello.
Preceded in death by his parents; James and Alada (Darty) Schnake.
Son, husband, father, “Pop Pop,” and friend to many, Jimmy was known for his unfiltered honesty and sarcasm that had you wanting to laugh and curse him out at the same time. He had an honest man’s work ethic and always put his family first.
Jimmy attended South Haven High School. After high school, he traveled out west to work on the Pipeline. He returned home for a wedding where he met the love of his life, Karen Schnake, in 1983. The two fell in love at first sight and married in 1987, growing two beautiful children in the years to follow. This past August, Karen and Jimmy celebrated their 37-year wedding anniversary.
From a young age, Jimmy’s father passed on years of knowledge, from how to fix a flat tire or motor to carpentry to just about everything under the sun. Jimmy was able to carry on the knowledge to his own son, where they could be found around a dirt bike or under a car hood, bickering about who was right when they both knew it was Jimmy in the end.
Jimmy enjoyed hunting and fishing, carrying on the love of fishing with his wife throughout their relationship, fishing on Lake Michigan and the Gulf of Mexico. Jimmy and Karen then passed on the years of fishing experience to their two children and later on to their grandchildren.
Jimmy’s love of fishing was encouraged as a young boy as his family vacationed to Englewood, Florida which then led him to continue the yearly family tradition with his own.
Jimmy’s career consisted of 32 years in the Local 324 Operating Engineers, where he traveled throughout the US installing gas pipeline. He spent the last 13 years of his career in Chicago and Iowa before retiring at the age of 57.
He and the family traveled to different motocross tracks where these times have now turned into favorite memories to recall on.
As the years passed, he and Karen enjoyed visiting different casinos, with Jimmy finally hitting the jackpot on New Years Day.
Jimmy was able to enjoy his last four winters in Englewood, where he passed time with fishing, crabbing, visits from his grandchildren and working on small projects with his wife.
May we remember Jimmy as “Slim Jim,” “Driftwood” “Jimmy James” and all other colorful names that come to mind, knowing that he’s looking down on us wondering what the hell we’re all so emotional for.
Visitation for Jimmy will be at Filbrandt Chapel 1076 S. Bailey Ave, South Haven, Michigan 49090, on Saturday November 2, 2024 from 12 p.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 1:30 p.m. Jimmy will be laid to rest at McDowell Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
Jimmy is survived by his wife of 37 years Karen (Lash) Shchnake, son Colton Schnake, daughter Karissa Schnake and grandchildren; Zayden “ Goober “ and Kenneth “ Tooter ”. Also survived by siblings; Carol Lockard, Steve Zantello and Glen Zantello.
Preceded in death by his parents; James and Alada (Darty) Schnake.
Son, husband, father, “Pop Pop,” and friend to many, Jimmy was known for his unfiltered honesty and sarcasm that had you wanting to laugh and curse him out at the same time. He had an honest man’s work ethic and always put his family first.
Jimmy attended South Haven High School. After high school, he traveled out west to work on the Pipeline. He returned home for a wedding where he met the love of his life, Karen Schnake, in 1983. The two fell in love at first sight and married in 1987, growing two beautiful children in the years to follow. This past August, Karen and Jimmy celebrated their 37-year wedding anniversary.
From a young age, Jimmy’s father passed on years of knowledge, from how to fix a flat tire or motor to carpentry to just about everything under the sun. Jimmy was able to carry on the knowledge to his own son, where they could be found around a dirt bike or under a car hood, bickering about who was right when they both knew it was Jimmy in the end.
Jimmy enjoyed hunting and fishing, carrying on the love of fishing with his wife throughout their relationship, fishing on Lake Michigan and the Gulf of Mexico. Jimmy and Karen then passed on the years of fishing experience to their two children and later on to their grandchildren.
Jimmy’s love of fishing was encouraged as a young boy as his family vacationed to Englewood, Florida which then led him to continue the yearly family tradition with his own.
Jimmy’s career consisted of 32 years in the Local 324 Operating Engineers, where he traveled throughout the US installing gas pipeline. He spent the last 13 years of his career in Chicago and Iowa before retiring at the age of 57.
He and the family traveled to different motocross tracks where these times have now turned into favorite memories to recall on.
As the years passed, he and Karen enjoyed visiting different casinos, with Jimmy finally hitting the jackpot on New Years Day.
Jimmy was able to enjoy his last four winters in Englewood, where he passed time with fishing, crabbing, visits from his grandchildren and working on small projects with his wife.
May we remember Jimmy as “Slim Jim,” “Driftwood” “Jimmy James” and all other colorful names that come to mind, knowing that he’s looking down on us wondering what the hell we’re all so emotional for.
Visitation for Jimmy will be at Filbrandt Chapel 1076 S. Bailey Ave, South Haven, Michigan 49090, on Saturday November 2, 2024 from 12 p.m. until the time of the Funeral Service at 1:30 p.m. Jimmy will be laid to rest at McDowell Cemetery.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel-Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
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