James Schade

James C. Schade Jr., born July 19, 1962, went to be with our Lord Jan. 9, 2026 after a two-year battle with cancer.
Jim, or Jamie as he was known by family, was born in Parma, Ohio and attended Catholic school, graduating in 1980.
A Boy Scout, his love of camping, fishing and hunting began early. Jim met the love of his life, Danielle, while in high school and soon after graduating, married and joined the Air Force. He was stationed at Luke AFB in Phoenix, Ariz. 
Back in Ohio, Jim and Danielle raised their two daughters while he developed a career in IT. He loved teaching others.
In 2012 they relocated to Custer in the Black Hills of South Dakota. He quickly became involved in Custer’s Christmas for Kids and was known as Papa Elf onstage for many years. He took great delight in teasing the kids while they waited to see Santa. 
Jim’s IT background helped him land a position at Crazy Horse Memorial, where he worked until his illness made him stop. His sense of humor and work ethic were loved by most.  
Jim leaves behind his cherished wife of 43 years, Danielle; his daughters, Brittany Schade (Rob) and Bonnie Schade (Mike); and six grandchildren, Rosaria, Evelyn, Robert James, Mathew James, Kalani and Ryker. He also leaves behind his mother, Arlene; brother, Keith (Lori) Schade; sisters, Michelle (Jeff) Bock, and Leigh Ann (Danny) Mathews; and aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends and coworkers.  
Catholic Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Jan. 24 at St John the Baptist Church in Custer with luncheon to follow at the VFW.  
Arrangements have been placed in the care of Chamberlain McColley’s Funeral Home in Custer.