Obituary of James L. Schiefelbein

James Louis Schiefelbein was born to the proud parents Jack and Prudence Schiefelbein at St. Vincent's hospital August 11, 1974. A man who was larger than life and who had an even bigger heart was called home to our heavenly father June 5, 2011 during a tragic accident near Swift Reservoir in Skamania County. James or "Jim" grew up in Vancouver but was born in Oregon and considered that his true home. Graduating class of 1993 from Columbia River High School James attended Clark College and went to the University of Montana graduating with a degree in business. He returned to Vancouver and went to work for his father at Electro Inc. starting in sales working his way up to vice president. A family ran business, his sister Stephanie also worked there as the secretary, while attending school. He met his wife Amber Dickinson in 2002. They began dating Feb 14, 2003, later became engaged on Thanksgiving 2007 and eloped in South Lake Tahoe, CA July 29, 2008 along with their dog JD as the witness. James then legally adopted AJ at the Clark County court house where he took his name as well. The three spent their time at a family beach house in Oceanside, OR., their ranch in Enterprise, OR, with family and friends hunting, fishing, back yard BBQ's, with AJ's baseball teams, boy scouts and church. James was not only AJ's dad, he was his best friend. One year he sponsored his t-ball team with his clothing company Ridge Work Wear. The two shared the love of animals, the Great NW, hunting, fishing, all sports especially hockey, and watching old westerns, you name it they did it. AJ and James even cut each other's hair. When he was not in the woods or at a baseball game you could find him on his mother's couch eating her famous grilled tuna sandwiches. Amber and James decided to add on to their happy little family and welcomed two sheep Dixie and Trixie and a spunky bird hunting dog Lodi. They also became pregnant Dec 31, 2010. James was so confident they were pregnant he told his close friends on a beach trip that weekend that they were expecting. Not only was James good at everything he did from meeting people to being a real outdoor sportsman, he was also an avid antique collector. His passion for the old west and history had him on the computer for hours researching pieces he was looking to collect. James and Amber decided just the morning he died to write an old west book filled with outlaws, gambling, and exploration. Amber and AJ have decided to continue on with his wish and write it together dedicated to his memory. In the last few months of his life he spent more time with his brother Joel and helping him with his ever growing business North Fork Resources. He couldn't be happier being with his other best friend, in the woods and helping family. He will be forever missed and leave a huge hole in the world where he shone so brightly. James is survived by the Schiefelbein family his mother Prudence Stroh, father Jack, brother Joel and his family, sister Stephanie, ½ brother Jeff, wife Amber, son AJ and their baby girl due in September, Audrey whom he named. As well as countless family and too many close friends to list. The funeral was held at The First Presbyterian Church 4300 Main Street Van. WA 98663. 12 noon church services will start, followed by coffee in the lobby and then a celebration of life at the Quay downtown Vancouver at 4pm in the convention area. Memorial contributions for his children will be accepted at Columbia Credit Union. Please sign the online guest book and share stories for the family to keep. Thanks to everyone for all the help prayers and support!