James Byrnes Schellenberg (1954-2020), father, brother and friend, passed away at the age of 66 in his home in Pacific Palisades, California, after a heroic battle with cancer.
James was born in Bethesda, Maryland, the third son of 11 children of Bob and Kate Schellenberg, who predeceased him.
He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Debra Schellenberg, his daughter, Kathryn Schellenberg Bell, his son, Christopher Schellenberg, his son-in-law, Jason Bell, his daughter-in-law, Kristen Schellenberg, and his two grandsons, Wyatt and Beau Schellenberg. James is also survived by his 10 siblings, their spouses and children.
James believed we are what we repeatedly do and that excellence is not an act, but a habit. This motto guided and shaped his incredible and disciplined life.
He was a Vanderbilt University football player and earned a master of business administration from University of North Florida. He met Debra, his wife of over 40 years, at IBM training.
James had a successful corporate career, which was only paralleled by his love of his family and his devotion to his Catholic faith. James held many jobs, including the chief operating officer of the National Institute of Transplantation.
James also valued his time with his family and his time in service. Throughout his life, he pursued excellence both professionally and personally, demonstrating his love for his family, friends and God every day with humor and a smile.
Even during his cancer treatment, he still lovingly watched his two grandsons, served on the financial committee of St. Monica’s Catholic Church and walked his daughter down the aisle in her backyard wedding.
James will be remembered as a devoted father, grandfather, brother and husband, and an excellent shot. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to St. Monica’s Catholic Church or the UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center.
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