James Edward Schnurpel, Sr. 85, of Guyton, Georgia and formerly of Brazil and Terre Haute, Indiana passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2022. He was born September 22, 1936 in Springfield, Illinois to Charles and Ruth Schnurpel.

James lived in several areas during his life. When he was young his parents moved to Clay County, where he graduated from Brazil Senior High School. James married Mary Lou Westfall while he was serving in the Air Force. In the service, he was a Crew Chief for fighter jets. After his Honorable Discharge, he returned to Indiana where he eventually gained employment with General Motors of Indianapolis for 33 years. James completed training requirements to become a Machine Repair Machinist. While at GM, he contributed to both safety and cost-savings ideas to the company for which he received additional benefits. It became a running family joke that General Motors was a front for his coffee and lottery business. He retired shortly after his wife's death. After retiring, James married Janet Weeks and moved to Terre Haute, where he was an active member of the Mt. Pleasant North UMC, 32nd Degree Mason, The Scottish Rite, and Emmaus Community. Throughout his life, he volunteered for many organizations and enjoyed coaching and mentoring youth with sports and academics. James always had a love for music and enjoyed singing songs with his family and church. In addition, he enjoyed playing golf, making golf clubs, reading Louis L'Amour books, watching Westerns, and going on road trips, camping, and fishing.

He is survived by his brother- Charles B. Schnurpel (Carol); his children- James E. Schnurpel, Jr., Charles C. Schnurpel (Darlene), Jon A. Schnurpel (Evelyn), Cheryl L. Bowen (Mark), and Donna L. Malek (Tarek); fourteen grandchildren; eleven great grandchildren; two stepdaughters- Peggy Wiggins and Penny Campbell (Kenny), several step grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

James is preceded in death by his parents- Charles and Ruth; siblings- Shirley Schnurpel, Russell Schnurpel (Sarah), and Babara (Harold) Gerber-Linton; first wife- Mary Lou; second wife- Janet; daughter- Pamela K. Schnurpel.

Visitation will be held Saturday, September 3, 2022 at DeBaun Springhill Chapel from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Services will begin at the funeral home at 1:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Wiskott-Aldrich Foundation at www.wiskott.org. Online condolences may be made to www.debaunfuneralhomes.com.