James J. Schonefeld
Command Sergeant Major, US Army (Retired)
August 10, 1941 – March 28, 2026
James J. Schonefeld, a proud US Army veteran, devoted family man, and leader/member in the Knights of Columbus, passed away on March 28, 2026, at the age of 84.
Born and raised in south Texas, James grew up with the hardworking spirit and sense of duty that led to his amazing life. Be it working the land, waiting tables at the Kings Inn, roughnecking in the oil fields, volunteering with Knights of Columbus, and ultimately serving in the US Army, James exemplified service before self.
James proudly served his country for 30 years in the US Army, including two tours in Vietnam with the 1st Cavalry Division. Following basic training at Fort Polk, Louisiana, and Chaplain Assistant AIT at Fort Dix, New Jersey, he went to Fort Sill, Oklahoma, where he met the love of his life, Dorothy “Dottie” Adams. During assignments with the 2d region of US Army Air Defense Command they expanded their family in Missouri (Connie) and Michigan (John). With each move and new duty station, new life-long friends and new experiences were made. After a tour of duty at Fort Shafter, Hawaii with USARPAC, he rotated to the Military District of Washington (MDW) where his responsibilities included Burial Operations at Arlington National Cemetery and the religious program for the Greater Washington Area. Between tours with MDW, he attended Army’s Sergeants Major Academy in El Paso, Texas. During his second tour in Hawaii, James was promoted to Command Sergeant Major (CSM) and was assigned as the CSM for the 29th Engineer Battalion (Topographic). The Chaplains Assistant returned home as the CSM for the US Army Chaplains School in Fort Monmouth, New Jersey, in 1985. James served as the Chaplain’s Corps first Regimental Sergeant Major. After a distinguished and decorated 30-year career, James retired from the Army in 1993 as Post Sergeant Major of Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indiana.
Following his retirement, James and Dorothy settled in Kissimmee, Florida, where they continued to serve their community with the same passion and dedication he brought to his military career. With care and compassion, he was a long-time hospice volunteer, supporter of the Special Olympics, and minister to the sick. He remained active with the Chaplain’s Regiment serving as honorary Sergeant Major and attending regimental events and biennial reunions.
James became deeply involved with the Knights of Columbus in the St Cloud/ Kissimmee Council 6624, serving in many roles, including Grand Knight, Faithful Navigator, and District Deputy. He served the Florida State Council, rising to State Deputy from 2007-2009. James also led the 4th Degree as Master. He continued serving the Florida State Council until his passing as the State Fraternalist. He was a charter member of John Paul I Council in Dale City, Virginia. Throughout his 67 years as a member of the Knights of Columbus, he guided and inspired countless members through his faith, patriotism, and commitment to charitable works.
James is survived by his son John, daughter Connie, son-in-law Tim, granddaughter Kaye, siblings (Mary Jo, Anna Rose, William, Bernard, David, Beatrice), and numerous nieces and nephews. While we were not ready for him to leave us, he is now at peace and reunited with his beloved wife Dottie and grandson James “Jay”.
He will always be remembered as a man of quiet strength, unwavering duty, and deep loyalty to family, country, and faith.
Visitation for James will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by a prayer service at 7 p.m. on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Conrad & Thompson Funeral Home.
A Funeral Mass will be held 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Holy Redeemer Catholic Church in Kissimmee.
James will be laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in his memory to a veteran’s organization or the Florida State Knights of Columbus (www.FloridaKofC.org) charity of your choice.
