Jacob Joseph Schell

One of the "Greatest Generation" Jacob J. Schell, 91, died November 27, 2009 at his Ocean Park, Washington residence surrounded by the family he loved. He was the son of John and Catherine Schell, immigrants from Eastern Russia, and was born March 3, 1918 in Rupert, Idaho. His parents were sponsored by Utah & Idaho Sugar Company who brought them to the western United States. Jacob worked along side his family in the sugar beet fields and picking crops such as fruit and hops and early on learned the lessons of hard work. Jacob earned a football scholarship to Gonzaga University in Spokane where his play earned him the "inspirational award". He was offered an opportunity to play professionally for the Detroit Lions but world events took him in another direction. After serving as an Aviation Cadet Jacob enlisted in 1942 in the US Army Air Corps. Becoming a bomber pilot, Jacob was sent to North Africa where he flew 50 combat missions over Italy, Sicily and other targets in southern Europe. On his 46th mission he was shot down but was able to land in the Mediterranean Ocean where he and his crew were rescued by a British destroyer. As a result of his actions he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and Purple Heart. By the end of WWII Jacob became a trainer for B29 aircraft and was instrumental in training the crew which dropped the first atomic bomb at the end of the conflict. Returning to Washington State he taught high school and served as commander of a National Guard unit in Toppenish. With the outbreak of the Korean Conflict Jacob was called to active duty in the US Army as an artillery officer. He served along with six of his high school students and all returned safely from their duty. In 1956 Jacob was promoted to the rank of Major in the US Air Force. He also taught high school subjects such as US history, psychology and was football and wrestling coach. Jacob was not merely a leader of soldiers but a teacher and leader of young men. He was a man who led by example, instilling the concept of hard work which he learned as a youngster. Throughout his entire life he was a caring and thoughtful person who looked for the good in every individual. Jacob is survived by his wife of 43 years, Nelda, of Ocean Park; sons Thomas (Jeannie) Schell of Amboy, WA, James Schell of New York, and James Roberson of Pasco, WA; daughter Sandra Martin of Ocean Park, WA; sisters Margaret Parrot of Kennewick, WA and Kay Shirley of Oregon; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. A service with full military honors will be held at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon on Friday, December 11, 2009 at 1:00 PM. His guestbook is available at www.penttilaschapel.com.