“If I die tomorrow, I’ll be with the Lord. If I live tomorrow, the Lord will be with me. Either way, I belong to Him, and I can never thank Him enough for staying by my side through thick and thin. Amen.” -Inspired by Romans 14:8

Heaven called James “Jim” Edward Scholl, 78, home on August 24 th , 2026, at Sentara Heart Hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. Jim was surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born on July 30, 1948, in New Albany, Indiana. He is preceded in death by his father, John Charles Scholl, and mother, Evelyn Sue “Dunn” Scholl. Jim came from a very large family that consists of 14 brothers and 6 sisters. He is reunited in heaven with his brothers Charles, Norman, David, Carl, Kenny, and Martin Scholl. As well as with his sisters Eva Demoss, Emmabelle Scholl, Mary Montgomery, Dorthea Park, and stepsister Mary Irene. Jim is survived by his loving wife, Kathleen Ann Scholl, which was a match made in heaven for almost 25 years. Not only did they love one another dearly, but they also loved each other’s children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. The blended family shared 8 children: Tammy, Mary Kay, Taffy, Dixie, David, Dawn, Jeremiah, and Deven. Combined they had 19 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren. The Scholl lineage is survived by sisters Lois (Bennett) Bryant, and Betty Williams, and brothers Frank (Vicki) Scholl, Art (Marlene) Scholl, and Richard (Sherry) Scholl. Including sisters in law, Carol and Kay Scholl, and stepbrothers John Ethan, Warren Earl, and Arthur Patrick. Jim’s last words that he spoke on this earth were, “I wanted to give a really good testimony in church!” Then, he looked up to God and jokingly exclaimed, “Enough is enough! I want everybody to wake up!” Meaning that God is Real. Jim was devoted to God, his wife and family, blue jeans, and John Deere. He enjoyed fishing and boating, and when he lived in Florida, he restored a pontoon boat to resemble the classic green and yellow of a John Deere tractor. A picture of Jim aboard the boat still lives within the John Deere Museum. Jim’s quick wit was enriched with his hill-billy humor, but he was full of common sense, compassion, generosity, love, and kindness. In his latter season, you would find him in his brand-new self-built woodshop, sawdust and old-time gospel permeating the air. He would sip on Pepsi while he fixed things until they worked again or he would venture to create something new. His creations were done in collaboration with God and his wife, and always with others in mind. He specialized in making wavy American flags out of wood—one of which that is aboard the SS Ford in its latest voyage. As a young man, Jim served in the US Army for two years. He loved his country and prayed constantly for America’s resilience. Jim’s own resilience endured through his first cancer diagnosis in 2004, and onward till he was called home. He always told Satan that he would never die from cancer, and he didn’t. He battled four surgeries for lung cancer and was given three times more than a normal person could usually handle for chemo treatments. In 2025, he was diagnosed with melanoma cancer. This led to three surgeries, radiation, endless tests, unfavored test results, over a dozen medications, constant doctor visits, and repeated recoveries. This was all harrowing on his heart. On August 21, 2026, he suffered a major heart attack at 1:30am. Then on August 23 he suffered two heart attacks at once and jokingly said that it felt like the movie Groundhog Day—because the attacks were happening all over again. Jim’s innate fortitude and strength not only carried him through these battles but ennobled him as a true warrior—a Christian Warrior. A note to Jim’s Family and Friends by Kathleen Scholl I had the honor of being Jim’s wife. We talked about everything and anything. We were always the best of friends, a union that only God could have put together because it was that perfect of a marriage. I know through many conversations that Jim loved each and every one of you! He knew that this past Scholl Family Reunion was going to be his last. He wasn’t going to miss it under any circumstances. He had made many mistakes in his life and you loved him anyway. He hopes you forgave him. He wants you to walk with God the rest of your days. He was truly a Christian Warrior and witness for Jesus Christ. He unashamedly spread the Good News. The Jim I married was a good man and loving husband, father, grandpa, great grandpa, and friend. To all of his friends, he loved you all very much. Thank you for always being there for him. Thank you to our beloved friend, mentor, and pastor Derek and his wife Christy Robinson. A special shout out to Jim’s dear friend, Mike French. I hope to see Jim soon. Until then, my love, have fun in heaven. Jim wished for a celebration of his life to take place at Langley Christian Church, which is a place he called his “Second Home.”

Honoring his wishes, Kathleen will hold a Celebration of Life at Langley Christian Church 175 Foxhill rd. Hampton, VA 23669 on September 19 th at 12pm. He asks his family and friends to wear jeans, a Christian or brightly colored shirt, and tennis shoes. Please do not wear dark or black clothing. An open mic will be available to share your fond memories and moments of Jim. His favorite food of beef hotdogs and chips, paired with his drink of choice, Pepsi, will be served.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Langley Christian Church.

Arrangements are by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home