James Van Schnell, 64, of Rockingham, passed away Saturday, July 20, 2024 at his home.
Van was born Aug. 3, 1959, in Munich, Germany, son of the late Edward E. Schnell and Sada Allen Schnell.
Van was a veteran of the United States Navy and then worked as a gas line locator with Piedmont Natural Gas Company/Duke Energy. He was a beloved husband, spending 43 years together with his wife, Michelle, and was an amazing Dad. He loved the title of “Papa” to his grandchildren. Van was a friend to everyone he met and would do anything for anyone that needed help. He will be dearly missed by his family and those that knew and loved him.
Along with his parents, he is preceded in death by his brother, Allen Schnell.
Left to cherish Van’s memory are his loving wife, Michelle Malloy Schnell of the home; son, Kevin Schnell (Sabrina) of Pinehurst; daughter, Ariel Schnell Johnson (Joshua) of Mocksville; grandchildren, Scarlett Santaloci, Cirilla Schnell, Jeremiah Johnson, Lorelai Johnson, Scottie Johnson, and baby Luna Rae Schnell due in October 2024; brother, Edward Schnell of Morganton; sister-in-law, Lisa Chavis of Cornelius; and numerous cousins and friends.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 30, 2024 from 2-4 p.m. at Harrington Funeral Home, Hamlet.
The funeral service will immediately follow visitation, at 4 p.m., in the chapel of Harrington Funeral Home, with Statha Osborne and Sandra Chavis Lynn officiating. Interment will follow at Richmond County Memorial Park, with full military honors.
The family requests memorials be made to: Alzheimer’s Association-Western Carolina Chapter, 4600 Park Road, Suite 250, Charlotte, NC 28209.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Schnell family.
Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
