1967
James
2023
James William Schroeter
October 13, 1967 — September 7, 2023
James went to be with his Lord and Savior after a hard fought three and a half year battle with cancer at the age of 55. James was born in Eugene, Oregon, but moved to Texas shortly after birth. He spent his formative years in League City, where he attended Clear Creek High School. He was an avid cross country runner and loved to bowl. James attended Texas A&M University, where he earned a degree in Mathematics.
James loved running, but knee injuries forced him to transfer his efforts to cycling. James rode for the A&M cycling team, a sport that he would adopt for the rest of his life, and during which he met some of his lifelong friends. James attended the Tour de France 3 times, riding his bike on the race route and traveling around France with friends. James was a fierce competitor and loved nothing more than to race and support his teammates. After college, James taught math for a year in Mexia, Texas. James realized that teaching in the public school system was not satisfying, so he moved to Bentonville, AR, after landing an IT job with Walmart. James spent the remainder of his career in IT as a systems and database administrator. James was a self-taught guy. He always had something that he was studying. He was even known to carry a computer book on a backpacking trip! He still loved to teach, so he helped out friends’ kids with math and computer skills over the years.
James loved adventure and the mountains, so he and Claudia moved to Colorado in 2008. On the trails, he was able to enjoy running again without knee issues, and ended up running several ultramarathons in Colorado and Utah. He always loved snowshoeing, sledding, backpacking, hut trips and pacing/crewing for others.
After James was diagnosed with cancer, he and Claudia backpacked the first half of the Colorado Trail together. He loved to be out in the wilderness. He also took up cross country skiing and learned how to wax his own skis. James enjoyed going to Germany, where he always spent time with Claudia’s family before heading out to see other parts of Europe. Nothing made him happier than wandering around without a plan and enjoying the different cultures.
James was a kid at heart. He loved to be around kids...and animals loved him, too. He was known as “the baby whisperer” in the church nursery. He was a captivating storyteller who brought humor and laughter to everyone around him. He had a gigglish laugh, easy smile and a gentle spirit that made you want to be in his presence.
He loved those close to him well. He was generous with his time and resources. He never hesitated to help out a friend, stranger or cause that was near and dear to his heart. James had a passion for troubled kids. He volunteered at alternative schools, coached basketball and supported several organizations that helped children in crisis and foster care.
James is survived by his wife, Claudia, mother Barbara Schroeter, stepfather Chip Schroeter, uncle and aunt, Stan and Susan Fields, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Herb and Mabel Schroeter. He is also survived by the many friends whose lives he touched with his unique gift for deep friendship.
He will be greatly missed. In lieu of flowers, please make a charitable donation to Mountain States Children’s Home in James’ memory: https://www.msch.org.
Please join us for a Celebration of Life, October 13, 2023, from 4-6 pm at the Headwaters Center in Winter Park, CO. In typical James fashion, dress is casual and food will be served.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James William Schroeter, please visit our flower store.
Service Schedule
Past Services
Celebration of Life
Friday, October 13, 2023
4:00 - 6:00 pm (Mountain time)
Headwaters Center
Guestbook
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