James Donald Schell

James Donald Schell, of Kansas City, passed away on Wednesday, August 29, 2018, after a brave battle with cancer. He was born September 22, 1948, in Saint Louis, Missouri, to the late Donald Joseph and Alice (Rolf) Schell. A stellar athlete, Jim enjoyed success at Helias Catholic High School 1967 (Jefferson City, Mo.) in football and track. He also used his musical talents and charisma as the lead in several musicals. He later directed numerous plays and musicals in Jefferson City, Mo. While attending Rockhurst College, he developed a passion for rugby. He played for many years as a member of River Quay, Milwaukee RFC and Jefferson City Rugby Club. As a coach, he led the Detroit Women's Rugby Club where they won a total of three Division II National Championships under his guidance. After retirement from General Motors, he pursued his interest in health and fitness and became a personal trainer, where he was able to continue his journey of enriching lives until his retirement in 2018. Jim met the love of his life, Julie (Barlow) Schell in Kansas City, Mo. Together, they enjoyed raising four beautiful daughters, Jessica, Jennifer Bryan (Jason), Jodie Gilbert (Tyler) and Jane. Jim leaves behind his loving mother and siblings, Joyce Amick (Dale), Jack (Donna), Tom (Leslie), Dan (Belma) and Joan Kramer. He was adored by his dear friends, former teammates, and large, extended family of in-laws, outlaws, nephews, nieces and cousins. His greatest joys were his grandchildren; Joseph, Jillian, Rosalie, Mabel and Cora. Memorial services will be at noon Friday, Sept. 7, 2018, at Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral, Kansas City, Mo. Family visitation will be from 4-8 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 6, 2018, at McGilley State Line Chapel. In lieu of flowers, please consider a charitable donation to one of the following: Kansas City Hospice & Palliative Care https://www.kchospice.org/product/make-a-donation/ Grace and Holy Trinity Cathedral http://www.kccathedral.org/ GoFundMe account set up to provide his grandchildren with fun experiences, opportunities and adventures on behalf of their Pop Pop. https://www.gofundme.com/simple-joys-for-the-grandchildren?sharetype=teams&member=687808&rcid=r01- 153573016392-89911e6785ec4571&pc=ot_co_campmgmt_w