Obituary of James C. Schnars Jr.

James C. Schnars, Jr., 77, passed away early Tuesday morning, May 14, 2024, at his home surrounded by his family in Jamestown, NY. He was the husband of Christine Schnars whom he married on the 13th of January 1967. Jim was born April 1, 1947, in Jamestown to the late James C. and Genevieve Caldwell Schnars, Sr. Following his graduation from Jamestown High School in 1965, he served in the US Army from 1966 to 1968 during the Vietnam War. Following his time in the service, he joined the Jamestown Police Department in 1968 and served as an officer, sergeant, and a lieutenant, until his retirement in 1988. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his career, some of which included implementing a college training program for JPD members, supervisory positions in the Youth and Detective Bureaus, and his work as a liaison with many outside agencies for drug and weapons violations. During his tenure he earned his bachelor's degree from Buffalo State University in 1974. Afterwards he worked and taught at both the BOCES Hewes and Loguidice Educational Centers for many years. He was very involved in his community throughout his life. Serving as a member on many boards and committees, some of which include the Kendall Club, Rotary Club, SERTOMA Club, VFW, Southwestern District PTA, Boy Scouts of America, JHS One Hundred Member Club where he served as president for two years, and the Christian Medical Society with whom he spent time volunteering in Honduras. He was a volunteer coach for many local sports organizations and a substitute teacher with Jamestown Public Schools for 20 years. Outside of Jim's career and public service, his whole life's happiness lay in his family. He taught his children and grandchildren the true value in life is love. Jim loved each of his children and grandchildren and he was full of pride for each of their endeavors. Jim taught us the meaning of loyalty, commitment, integrity, and courage. To know Jim was to know unconditional love. He was full of knowledge, and he continually shared his love of history with anyone that would listen. The legacy he leaves is one of love and a commitment to his family and friends that truly is a testament of his dedication to making life better for all who knew him. Jim leaves behind his wife of 57 years, Christine Schnars; four children, James C. Schnars III, Kelly C. Schnars, Bonnie C. Schnars, and John P. Schnars (Michele); eight grandchildren who truly meant the world to him, Emma M. Schnars, Genevieve Pittorf, Violet Pittorf, William Schnars, John Schnars, Jr., Margaret Schnars, Oliver Schnars, and Lilly Schnars. He also leaves behind nieces and nephews, Alex Osborne, Erika Osborne, Ronni K. Jones, Barb (Rob) Shafer, and James Ayling, Jr.; and two brothers-in-law, Ted (Ada) Osborne and Andrew Osborne. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his best friends, Jim and Bonnie Ayling. A service to celebrate Jim's life will be held on Monday, May 20th at 2 pm in the Lind Funeral Home where Pastor Jay Baehr of Zion Covenant Church will officiate. Friends will be received on Sunday, May 19th from 2 to 5 pm, and for one hour prior to the service on Monday. Jim will be laid to rest at Lake View Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to the Jamestown Audubon Society, 1600 Riverside Rd., Jamestown, NY 14701.