James Paul Schlimm

James Paul Schlimm, of Yardley, died peacefully on Monday, August 29, 2016, at the Buckingham Valley Rehab and Nursing Center. Peggy, his loving wife of 56 years, was holding his hand. He was 87. Jim will be remembered by all who knew him for his irreverent sense of humor; his love of sports, history, jokes, and current events; and his utter belief in the superiority of left-handed people. Above all else, though, he will be forever defined by the pure, unconditional love he had for his family and friends.Jim was born to Margaret Nissel and Gregory J. Schlimm in St. Mary's, Pennsylvania, where he developed an early, enduring passion for sports, playing baseball and basketball with great skill and enthusiasm. While a student at St. Mary's Catholic High School, he once played against the Harlem Globetrotters' traveling basketball team, which he joked prevented him from developing a big ego. He received a basketball scholarship to attend Providence College, in Rhode Island, and eventually served as the team's captain. He gained a place in the college's Sports Hall of Fame by becoming its first player to score 1,000 points in varsity competition. He graduated in 1952. He then served in the U.S. Army as an artillery instructor, at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, and later used the G.I. Bill to earn a master's degree in social studies (history) from West Virginia University.For nearly 40 years, Jim served students in the Trenton (New Jersey) Public School System's social studies department, first as a teacher at Trenton High School, then as the supervisor. He also coached varsity basketball, and the love he felt for his players shone in the many stories he recounted throughout the years. He retired in 1992. Jim volunteered for many years providing meals for homeless families in Trenton through The Lord's Table at The Church of the Sacred Heart.A loving and involved father, Jim attended the majority of his children's sporting events and school activities, coached community baseball and softball teams, and sat through innumerable swim meets at the Newtown Swim Club. He and his family were active in the summer youth exchange organization, Operation Friendship, through which Jim travelled as a chaperone to Scotland, where he delighted in accompanying his host on early morning milk deliveries. The family's memorable vacations include many stays at the Jersey Shore, a visit to Disney World where Jim cherished his front row seat at the Mickey Mouse parade, and a month-long car trip across the United States.Jim was a loyal fan, through good times and bad, of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pittsburgh Pirates. He had a keen interest in Civil War history and traveled to the sites of numerous battles. He also enjoyed bowling and playing golf. He found joy in playing tricks on strangers to make them laugh, and often reminded his family that "if you go somewhere and don't have good time, it's your own fault." In addition to his wife, Jim is survived by his children, Gregory James Schlimm (Lynne) of Washington, D.C., and Mara Schlimm Ormond (David) of Dover, Delaware; and his granddaughter, Lula Margaret Ormond, of Dover, Delaware, the light of his life. He is also survived by three sisters: Dorothy Mulcahy, Ruth Irwin, and Mary Grace Zitzler; and two brothers: Harrison Schlimm and Harold Schlimm. He was predeceased by three brothers: Greg Schlimm, Robert Schlimm, and John Schlimm; and three sisters: Patricia Bauer, Margaret Eckert, and Therese Secor.Services will be held at J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel, 41 W. Trenton Ave., Morrisville, PA (www.hooperfuneralchapel.com, on Tuesday, September 6. Calling hours will begin at 10:00 a.m., and a celebration of his life will take place at 11:30 a.m. His remains will then be buried at Washington Crossing National Cemetery at 1:30 p.m., with a reception following. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in memory of Jim be made to the Alzheimer's Association.

Burial of Cremated Remains with Military Honors
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
13:30:00
Washington Crossing National Cemetery
830 Highland Rd.
Newtown PA

Life Celebration
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
11:30:00
J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel
41 W. Trenton Ave.
Morrisville PA

Calling Hours
Tuesday, September 6, 2016
10:00:00 - 11:30:00
J. Allen Hooper Funeral Chapel
41 W. Trenton Ave.
Morrisville PA