James Leon “Jim” Schoenberger, 72, of Russell, Kansas, passed away Saturday, January 4, 2020 at the Russell Regional Hospital in Russell.

Jim was born February 15, 1947 in Larned, Kansas, one of eleven children born to Victor and Lydia (Kruetzer) Schoenberger. He grew up in the Collyer, Kansas area and graduated from WaKenney High School.

Jim was united in marriage to Peggy Douglas on July 31, 1966 in Collyer.  This union was blessed with three children; Sharon, James, Jr. & Jason.  They made their home in Ellis until 1969 when they moved to Russell.

Jim has been involved with the oil industry most of his life.  He started out working for Koch Industries as a backhoe operator.  Then he started several businesses in the Russell area.  He started with the Rusty Bucket in 1976, Jason Oil Co., LLC in 1978, Jason Farms in 1986, Quality Oilwell Cementing in 2005 with Dave Funk and Super Oilwell Service in 2006 with his son Jason.  He was a member of the St. Mary’s Catholic Church,  Knights of Columbus, Elk Auxiliary and V.F.W. Auxiliary .  The love of his life was his wife Peggy, he loved his children and wanted them to be happy.  His grandchildren and great grandchild have given him so much joy.  He enjoyed hunting, fishing, car races, snowmobiling, riding on his ranger, farming, raising a garden, being active in Ducks Unlimited and Pheasants Forever, going to watch his grandchildren and traveling to Homer, Alaska and Branson, Missouri with Peggy.  The oilfield meant the world to Jim, especially drilling oil.

Surviving family include his wife of 53 years, Peggy of the home; daughter, Sharon Weigel and husband Michael of Russell, Kansas; sons, James Schoenberger, Jr. and companion Kendra Trueblood of Russell, Kansas and Jason Schoenberger and wife Misty of Russell, Kansas; six brothers, John Schoenberger and wife Georgetta of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Vic Schoenberger and wife Collen of Ransom, Kansas, Martin Schoenberger and wife Carolyn of WalKeeney, Kansas, Wayne Schoenberger of WaKeeney, Kansas, Kevin Schoenberger and wife Tracey of WaKeeney, Kansas and Gerard Schoenberger and wife Amy of WaKeeney, Kansas; three sisters, Verlene Wilson of WaKeeney, Kansas, Phyllis Stieben and husband Gene of Colorado Springs, Colorado and Mary Jo McCoy and husband Bobby of WaKeeney, Kansas; ten grandchildren, Sheldon Bennett and husband Clayton, Justine Weigel, Graci Weigel, Jordon Schoenberger, Breilynn Schoenberger, Chandler Schoenberger, Bo Schoenberger, Ava Schoenberger, Pierce Schoenberger and Kimber Schoenberger; and two great grandchildren; Irie Schoenberger and Baby Girl Bennett on the way.  He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Kenny Schoenberger.

Celebration of the Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, January 10, 2020 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church of Russell.  A private family Committal will follow at a later date.  Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary.  Vigil and Rosary will be held at 7:00 PM, Thursday, January 9, 2020 at St. Mary, Queen of Angels Catholic Church.  A Memorial has been established as the James Schoenberger Memorial Fund.  Contributions and condolences may be sent to Pohlman-Varner-Peeler Mortuary, who is in charge of these arrangements.