James Rathbun Scheide, 56, of Lyme, died on Sunday July 6th, 2014 after a brief and courageous battle with cancer.
Born in Hartford, CT, on Sept 4, 1957, Jim was the son of the late Philip Cornell Scheide and Margaret Rathbun Scheide of Lyme. Jim was a graduate of Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado.
Jim is survived by his two children who were the pride and joy of his life; Alexandra and James Scheide of Lyme.
Jim, known by many of his friends as Jimi, had a truly amazing spirit and a real zest for life. He particularly loved the outdoors, including skiing, snowboarding, cycling, sailing, hiking and kayaking, whether in the Connecticut, Vermont or in Durango, Colo. He loved his years as a Ski Patrolman at Purgatory Mountain, and his summers mountain bike racing, including The Big Jim Classic, all in Durango, Colo. He was also an avid musician and an accomplished chef. He will be remembered for his optimism and boundless love of life, his great sense of humor, his love of his family, his wise counsel, the special love and kindness he shared with everyone he encountered … and his bandanas.
Jim was passionate about his work at Four Mile River Farm in Old Lyme and his loving friends there. He was previously employed for many years at Action Sports in Old Saybrook.
Jim is also survived by his three siblings, Jane Schellens (Tom) of Old Lyme, Sarah Voda (Dennis) of West Warwick, RI and Phip Scheide of Salem. He is also survived by his nieces and nephews, Win Schellens (Jordan), Jamie Schellens (fiancee Katrina) and Christopher Schellens, Samantha and Madeline Voda and Ethan Scheide, as well as his former wife Elizabeth Scheide.
At Jim’s request there will be no public service, but a celebration of his life will be held at Tom and Jane Schellens’ house at 1 Academy Lane, Old Lyme, CT on Friday July 25th at 4pm. All friends are welcome.
Memorial donations can be made to Center for Hospice Care Southeast CT, 227 Dunham Street, Norwich, CT 06360.
Please visit www.fultontherouxnewlondon.com for tributes and more information.
Jimi, I only got to meet you last year, but had a great time with you during our brief friendship. Everything you did, you brought your passion with you! Glad to have known you, you were always good to see with a great smile, and hug. I will miss you bro!
Something in my spirit told me to search Jims name on Google. I recently stopped using my facebook and notice that jims had been deactivated for a couple of months. I did hear about him getting cancer and I briefly spoke with him once I found out but not since then. Jim was an internet friend of mine since 2007. We bonded over musicians like Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, and Bob Dyaln. I never got to meet Jim but his stories, messages, comments and music would always put a huge smile on my face. I’m glad I always thanked Jim for his wonderful spirit and kind words. Please watch over us strumming that guitar Jim. Soul brother , I’ll never forget you.
Jim was a special guy. I first met him when I was 16 years old. We worked together on the tourist boat that met the train from essex. Never have I met a nicer person. He was so positive and it brings me much sadness to hear of his passing. I am glad that I have known him, for my life is richer because of it. Rock on Jimi