John R. Schofield

It is with heavy hearts we announce that John Russell(JR) Schofield, 59, passed away peacefully at home on February 26, 2025, surrounded by the love of his family. 

 

JR was born in Vandalia, Illinois, on June 6, 1965, to John Schofield and Linda (Snider) Sandwell. He was a 1983 graduate of Mt. Carmel High School, where in 1981 he and his teammates proudly won the football state championship. JR had a lifelong love for his country and was an Army veteran, serving four years at Fort Campbell. He worked at Kerry Ingredients for 25 years, retiring shortly after his ALS diagnosis. He was adored by his coworkers, made many lasting friendships, and was honored by a golf scramble organized in his name to benefit ALS. 

 

JR was a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, uncle, cousin, and friend. To know him was to love him. He was a jokester with the biggest heart. His infectious belly laughs, often “naughty” sense of humor, and quick-witted personality could brighten the gloomiest of days. The unofficial peacekeeper in the family, the calm in many a storm, he was always available to listen or to offer a shoulder to cry on. Steadfast and fiercely protective of those he loved, he was also known to give THE best bear hugs. JR worked hard and often played harder. He enjoyed deer hunting and camping on his property, golfing, listening to many genres of music(even singing the occasional karaoke song or two at the insistence of Annette and Dannielle), cheering on his favorite football teams and NASCAR drivers, and was the biggest Game of Thrones fan EVER. He also took great joy in spending time with his family and friends, 

frequenting his favorite restaurants, and traveling. Prior to losing his battle with leukemia in 2022, JR’s best friend of many years, Tim (Timmy) Hall, frequently took part in JR and Annette’s many adventures, often referring to themselves as the Three Amigos.

 

We are all so grateful for JR’s life. He will be deeply missed. Perhaps the best way to keep him close to our hearts is to follow his life’s motto and “go make some memories every chance you get!”

 

Left behind to cherish his memory are his devoted wife and best friend of 26 years, Annette Schofield; children, Dannielle (Ian) Johns, Joshua Messic, Jarrod Messic, Bryce (Erica) Schofield, and Candace Schofield; twelve grandchildren, Hannah, Austin, Kaylie, Isabelle, Caden, Amy, Elijah, Lily, Haley, Jaxon, and Paisley; great-grandson, Stetson; father, John Schofield, mother and stepfather, Linda and Don Sandwell, and close mother-in-law, Charmaine Peters; siblings, brother Jim (Kelly) Schofield, half-sister Francesca Schofield, half-brother Adam Schofield, half-sister Jessica Mauser, stepbrother Charlie (Chada) Sandwell, and close brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Rick and Michelle Hamilton; as well as a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.

 

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Tammie and Victoria with Village Caregivers, hospice nurse Hallie, hospice aide Ashley, and evening caregiver Tina, as well as to the staff at the VA/ALS clinic in Indianapolis, headed by Leah Darling. The compassion, patience, and kindness shown to JR and his family over the past difficult months will always be remembered. Thank you.

 

Family and friends are invited to attend a short military service followed by lunch and a celebration of life gathering on Sunday, March 23, 2025, starting at 12 p.m. (CT) at The Discovery Lodge in Evansville, Indiana.

 

Memorial contributions may be made to the ALS organization at als.org/donate.