James Orville Schlechty, 76, of Adrian, Missouri, passed away on Monday, September 2, 2019 at St. Joseph Medical Center in Kansas City, Missouri.  Visitation was held Thursday, September 5, 2019 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Adrian, Missouri.  Funeral services were held at the Matteson Funeral Home in West Salem, Ohio, on Saturday September 7, 2019.  Burial will be held in Polk Cemetery in Polk, Ohio, with military rights conducted by American Legion Post 499.  In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America or Adrian Christian Church.

Jim was born November 2, 1942 in Akron, Ohio, the son of Willis and Dorothy Piper Schlechty. He attended the Mapleton Polk School system and graduated from high school in 1960. After high school, he was employed by Sigafoose Lumber. As a young man, he worked on his cars and motorcycles. He enjoyed participating in drag racing and won numerous trophies.

He worked at F.E. Meyers in Ashland, Ohio as a machinist making water pumps until his motorcycle accident in 1981 which left him a paraplegic. From his wheelchair he raised three children. He served 6 years in the Air Force Reserves.  Jim was a quiet, soft spoken man who enjoyed mowing the yard, woodworking, and tinkering with small engines. His disability did not stop him from doing things he wanted to do. Jim was an avid Nascar follower and a fan of Mark Marten. He loved the family pets and enjoyed watching TV, especially westerns, some sports including the Little League World Series. He loved family. He is preceded in death by his parents, paternal and maternal grandparents, and brother Gary Schlechty.

Survivors include his wife Elizabeth of the home, 3 daughters Tammy Bunn (Boone) Ashland, Ohio, Kelly Schlechty, West Salem, Ohio, Jeri Hester (Jim), Archie, Missouri, and Jeremy Schlechty and significant other Lil Pound, Ashland, Ohio. Seven grandchildren Ashley, Lisa Andrew, Logan, Matthew, Skyler, and Garrett. Three great-grandchildren Remington, Wyatt, and Evelyn. Two sisters Shirley Canfield (Wesley) Nankin, Ohio and Mary Dudley and significant other Brad Podany, Chandler, Arizona. Two brothers Bill Schlechty (Pam) Redhaw, Ohio, and Roger Schlechty (Jodi), Polk, Ohio. Numerous nieces and nephews.