James M. Schaive, Jr., 93, of Peru, passed away on Sunday, August 9, 2026 at the Manor Court of Peru.
He will be laid to rest next to his beloved wife, Joyce in the Shrine of Rest Mausoleum at Oakwood Memorial Park in Ottawa at 4 p.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026 with Rev. Donna Trinko, officiating. Visitation will be held an hour prior to the service at the Mausoleum. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Mueller Funeral Home in Ottawa.
James was born on January 18, 1933 in Springfield to J. Marek and Irene (Gates) Schaive. His early years were spent in Springfield attending elementary school and graduating from Lanphier High School; where he lettered in baseball, track and cross-country running, qualifying and running in the IL State Cross Country Finals. He then attended Western IL University where he earned eight letters in Track and Cross Country from 1952-1956. He became an IL State Champion and set time records in both the 440 and 880 yard runs. He also became a National Champion during that time. He earned his B.S and an M.S. in Education from WIU. After graduation, he became a teacher and coach. During that time he became a State Track and Field Official and a founding father of the IL Track and Cross Country Officials Association. After graduating from WIU in 1956 he married Barbara Anderson. They had two children, Karen Gregorich of Oglesby and Chris Schaive of Surprise, AZ. On October 9, 1976, he married Joyce Danner in Ottawa. In 1991 he retired from teaching. In 2015 Jim was inducted into the Springfield, IL Sports Hall of Fame. He was involved with the Lions Club and Elks throughout his life. He was an avid Chicago Cubs fan and unfortunately a Green Bay Packers fan.
He is survived by his sister, Carol Bulleit of Cleveland, GA; his daughter, Karen (Dan) Gregorich of Oglesby; his son, Chris (Tiffany) Schaive of Surprise, AZ; his granddaughters, Katie (Brett) Ruden of Dubuque, IA and Holly Gregorich of St. Charles; his grandsons, Ethan Schaive of Ottawa and Briton Schaive of Surprise, AZ; two great-granddaughters, Paisley and Adalynn Ruden of Dubuque, IA; sister-in-law, Margie Danner of Ottawa and Lesa Schaive of Springfield, IL; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, J. Marek and Irene Schaive; his wife, Joyce Schaive; and his brother, John Schaive.
Memorials may be directed to the donor’s choice.
You may sign the online guestbook and share remembrances at www.MuellerFH.com. Mueller Funeral Home and Crematory 800 First Avenue, Ottawa, IL 61350 815-434-4433.