James Lee “Jim” Schmelzle, of Topeka, KS, passed away on Wednesday, April 1,2026 at his home. He was born on August 24th,1955 in Seneca, KS the son of Carl Fred and Geraldine Ann (Wilhelm) Schmelzle.
Jim attended St. Joseph Catholic School in Nortonville, KS from first grade thru eighth grade and was a 1973 graduate of Jefferson County North High School. While in high school, he was active in football, basketball, and track, and was an all-league selection his senior year.
Jim was known for being a hard worker. During his teenage years he worked for Al Keirns' dairy farm near Nortonville. He worked at Rockwell in Atchison, KS. From 1977-2010 he worked at Topeka Lumber, later known as Schmidt Builders where he served as manager for Central Wholesale Distributors. He retired from McCray Lumber in 2020.
Jim married Debbie Thompson in 1975, they later divorced. From this union came two sons, William Charles in 1977 and Randy Alvan in 1980. On October 7,1989 he married "the catch of his life", Virginia Lee Channel at Topeka, KS.
Jim loved fishing and hunting and was fortunate to go fishing at Queen Charlotte Island Alaska, as well as the Columbia River in Oregon. He especially enjoyed fishing on Milford Lake. Jim held a "Master Fisherman" certificate from Kansas Wildlife and Parks. He always had a joke for anyone he met and could always be counted on for a laugh and a positive attitude towards life. Always crafty, Jim enjoyed woodworking and carving. His favorite activity was spending time with his grandchildren and attending their various activities.
Jim is lovingly survived by his wife, Virginia of the home, two sons, Willie (Betsy) Schmelzle and Randy (Brandy) Schmelzle, Valley Falls, grandchildren, Katherine (Lainey) Schmelzle, Samuel (Sam) Schmelzle, Sway Schmelzle, Brooklynn Schmelzle, Tucker Schmelzle, and Sawyer Schmelzle, three sisters, Mary Werner, Effingham, Dorothy (Dick) Bockelman, Shawnee, and Betty Parhomek, Topeka, three brothers, Don Schmelzle, Nortonville, Tom (Carol) Schmelzle, Independence, MO, Mike (Michelle) Schmelzle, Effingham and many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents, a sister, Linda Eaton and a brother George Schmelzle.
A Private graveside committal will be at America City Cemetery, south of Corning, KS. The Schmelzle family invites friends and loved ones to Jim's celebration of life 1:00 to 4:00 PM, Saturday, April 11,2026 at the University United Methodist Church, 1621 SW College Ave, enter from Boswell St. Memorials suggested to the Gary Sinese Foundation.
Barnett Family Funeral Home, Oskaloosa is assisting the family. barnettfamilyfh.com
