Obituary of James R. Schoen

James Robert "J.R." Schoen Darien, CT Died in his Darien home surrounded by his family on July 16th, 2008 at 12:45 pm Born in Greenwich, CT on Oct. 11th, 1998. He was 9 years old. His parents are Jim and Sharon Schoen of Darien CT His father Jim is originally from Huntington, New York and his mother Sharon is originally from Westwood, Massachusetts. He is survived by his parents and his sister Adeline who was his best friend and who just completed second grade at the Holmes School. He had just completed third grade at the Holmes School in Darien where his favorite subjects were math, art and gym and where he left behind a huge network of wonderful and caring classmates, teachers, tutors, his favorite nurse, custodian, librarian and staff. He is also survived by his grandparents, Leslie and Allan Converse of Gilbert, Arizona, Donald and Barbara Foster of Sandwich, MA and Eleanor and Charles Hartley of Huntington, NY and a great grandmother, Sue Halvorsen of Chandler, Arizona. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, cousins and a pet hamster. His interests include sports - he played Little League baseball (played on the Preferred Properties team this spring) and lacrosse. He also loved outdoor winter activities such as sledding down Hoyt Court, building snowmen, skating and skiing. He shared a love of arts and crafts with his sister Addie, both of whom are talented artists and prolific producers of homemade projects. He also loved visits and barbeques at his closest family friend's house and backyard neighbors. JR loved sailing and camp at American Yacht Club in Rye New York where his family are members. He was to begin his first year of "Opti" sailing this summer. He loved spending time there with his family and close friends at the beach and in the pool and special holidays such as the annual Fourth of July fireworks out on Picnic Point. He never missed the Easter Egg hunt or Santa's visit at AYC. He was blessed with many neighborhood friends, many of whom would join him in his hunt for butterflies, salamanders and fireflies. He also enjoyed the many neighborhood games of basketball, kickball, baseball and "manhunt". He loved bicycle riding with his father and with his friends, putting on shows and playing video games. He was being treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center since last August and has left behind a huge network of health professionals whom he touched deeply with his courage and kindness. He had a profound love for animals (especially dogs) and nature. One of the highlights for each summer was his annual camping trip with his family including his aunt, uncle and cousins. He also loved his annual trip to Cuttyhunk Island in Massachusetts and to Cape Cod where he loved miniature golf and throwing rocks at the beach. He was a collector of Webkinz, Legos, "gem" stones, assorted trading cards, movies and books. He was also a huge music fan and had begun a sophisticated collection of new music artists. He loved frequent trips to the diner and to the candy store. He loved his sister because she was so nice to him. Calling hours are at Lawrence Funeral Home on Monday, July 21st from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. and the funeral will be at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, July 22nd at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Darien. His service will be performed by Rev. Dave Andersen. A fund has been set up in his name for donations in lieu of flowers as follows: JR Schoen Memorial Fund Citi Smith Barney 399 Park Avenue, 12th Floor New York, New York 10022 Funeral Home: Edward Lawrence Funeral Home 2119 Post Road Darien, CT USA 06820