James R. Schimara

James Roy Schimara of Industry, Texas left his earthly home to go to his heavenly home on January 20, 2022, in Spring, TX at the age of 76.

James Roy Schimara was born to Walter and Evelyn (Gebhard) Schimara on November 19, 1945, in Bellville, TX.  He was baptized, confirmed, and married in the Nelsonville Brethren Church where he had been a lifelong member.  He had served several terms on the church Board of Elders as president and as Sunday School Superintendent and teacher.  He earned The Eagle Scout Award in the Welcome Boy Scouts Troop #318.  He graduated from Bellville High School where he also earned the Lone Star Farmer Award.  He served in the Army National Guard Airborne Division from 1965-1971.  He was a member of the Industry Volunteer Fire Department where he served as president and assistant fire chief for many years. He was also one of the original members of the local ambulance service, Adam 5.  In addition, he was a long-time president of the Industry Lodge of Woodmen of the World (WoodmenLife) and was president of the National Cemetery Association. He was also a member of the Shelby American Legion.

James enjoyed working early on restoring cars, starting with LaRoche Chevrolet in Brenham and then Clyde’s Paint and Body Shop in Industry, which he later bought in 1972.  He owned and operated James’ Paint & Body Shop for over 20 years and then went to work another 20+ years at Blue Bell Creameries where he continued to use his experience as fleet maintenance supervisor, rebuilding wrecked Blue Bell trucks.  He enjoyed restoring classic cars, especially his pride and joy, a 1958 Chevrolet Impala Convertible, which he restored from the ground up.

On September 14, 1968, he married Darlene (Krause) and made their home in Industry.  They were blessed with three wonderful daughters, Tricia, Kristi, and Jaime and four grandchildren.  He loved his daughters, sons-in-law, but especially his grandchildren, attending their school events and sporting activities.

James is survived by his wife Darlene of 53 years.  His daughters Tricia Frenza of Spring and special friend Tim Martin of Houston, Kristi Reddoch (Josh) of Brenham, and Jaime Schroeder (Jon) of Industry.  Grandchildren Mallory Frenza of Denton, Jaden & Justin Schroeder of Industry, and Ethan Reddoch of Brenham.  His sister & brother-in-law Linda & David Svrcek of Industry and aunt Estelle Gebhard His brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law Allen Krause of San Antonio, Alfred & Joyce Krause of Industry, Wilfred & Marjorie Krause of Brenham, Marlene & Alfred Zettel Jr. of Industry, and Tim Jones of Pearl, Mississippi and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.  He is preceded in death by his parents Walter & Evelyn Schimara, his young brother Calvin, his grandparents Henry & Emma Gebhard and Willie & Francis Schimara.  Parents-in-law Alvin & Emma Krause, brothers-in-law & sisters-in-law Eddie & Alice Pilcik, Edward & Benolye Krause, Louis & Wanda Krause, Lillie Mae Jones, and Charlene Krause and infant granddaughter Sara Reddoch.

Serving as pallbearers are Ronnie Lesikar, Tom Neal, Ronnie Pilcik, Nick Krause, Randy Krause, and Billy Brau.  Honorary pallbearers are Mallory Frenza, Jaden & Justin Schroeder, and Ethan Reddoch.

A special thank you to the employees of Village Green Alzheimer’s Care Home and Bristol Hospice for their compassion and respect.


Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to:

Nelsonville Brethren Church
332 Nelsonville Church Rd.
Bellville, TX 77418


Industry Volunteer Fire Department
PO Box 146
Industry, TX 78944


Bristol Hospice
2002 Timberloch Pl., Ste. 150
The Woodlands, TX 77380


National Cemetery
355 Krause Rd.
New Ulm, TX 78950