James "Jim" Michael Schuring

This photo, with tears in his eyes was taken the day we bought our home to retire here in the White Mountains at Nutrioso. A very happy day indeed! It was a 5 year plan from 1995 till 2000 to quit working for the man and live on the mountain full-time. And boy oh boy, did he ever build his “dream shop” once getting there. A lot of blood, sweat and tears were shed during this time. Living in the forest and doing as you please is a great life, which he was able to do for 15+ years. Good times, great memories; our dream had come true! Jim was very proud of his service in the U.S. Navy for many years. He was stationed aboard the USS Enterprise when an explosion occurred from a jet fighter crashing on deck during Vietnam. After duty, he was constantly involved with the American Legion in Gilbert and also in Springerville at Post #30. He always held an elected position or was a Judge Advocate for keeping the peace, which is what he liked best! As a veteran and proud serviceman, Jim used to say, “Not everyone who lost his life in Vietnam died there. Not everyone who came home from Vietnam ever left there.” Straight from the military, Jim was employed by Salt River Project. He retired from SRP in 2000 after 28 years of service as an instrument technician. Back then, Santan Generating Station was “out in the tulleys” at the intersection of Val Vista and Elliott, which only had a 4 way stop at that time. Jim was called when a power unit would trip and need to be checked, cleared and started back up. The plant would call during “sleep time” pay, however no one wanted to call Jim and wake him in the middle of the night. Often it was an ugly call! Working at Santan in the 80’s was a great place and the people were like family. Many are still like family to this day. For those who knew Jim for many years they would know he was a “Harley Guy.” At one time he had his own “hog shop” at the corner of Main and Mesa Drive in Mesa. His riding name (one of many names) was “Superman!” He loved his 1974 Pan Head. Good guys do wear black! Around the same time Jim was involved with the Phoenix Police Dept. in establishing the Usary Mtn. Shooting Range. Jim was the biggest hobby hopper ever! He loved doing metal fabrication, welding, woodworking/carving, fixing computers and remote control airplanes. He developed a love of RC airplanes at an early age as he was taught as a child. Whether it was R.C. flying, slope or soaring he did them all and had great fun. His father taught him as a child and at that time there were many places to fly. Green’s Peak was one of their favorites. Jim became consumed with flying, later flying over the dew misted cotton fields of Gilbert at sunrise in his hand-made ultra-light “Weedhopper” airplane. Many years of this adventure were had when he started the first Ultra-light Chapter in Phoenix. Jim enjoyed “fly-ins” when people would fly from all over the U.S. to the desert. Later he made custom ultra-lights for clients. The next step was a 1948 Aire-Coupe we hangared at Chandler Airport; an antique, vintage, classic. She was a beauty. The next project after flying was restoring his 1969 Dodge Charger. Jim restored it inside and out with royal blue paint and a white vinyl top. We would take the car to the car shows at local businesses on the weekend with “Golden Oldies” music playing in the background. It was a “wax-on, wax-off” grasshopper experience! Jim was an awesome volunteer; always willing to help in times of trouble or need. He helped every day during the Rodeo-Chediski fire at the Springerville American Legion. He volunteered as a mentor with our local scout troops building and flying RC planes. Jim was very proud to be an Eagar Police Dept. CVP (Civilian Volunteer Program), helping whenever needed. He helped with many things from traffic control to evacuations during the high school airplane accident. He also volunteered with the Nutrioso Fire Dept. serving as an elected board member and was responsible for initiating the “5 person board” on the ballot and seeing it pass and implemented. Jim left this world almost a year ago due to complications from emergency stomach surgery. Jim, you are so greatly missed each and every day by all who love you, near and far. I feel comfort knowing you and our “Goldie Girl” are taking care of each other now. “Kitty boys” miss you too! Someday we will all be together again, “Way over Yonder.” 1945-2015 There will be a military graveside service at the North Phoenix VA Cemetery later this summer. A Post Everlasting Service will be held at the Springerville American Legion Post #30. Please inquire locally for dates and times.