James Ira Scheiner

West Point, 1965

Be Thou At Peace

Posted by Martin Resick on February 21, 2011:

I have two stories to tell about Jim Scheiner, who was a great classmate in Company K-2 at West Point, and they illustrate his character. Jim organized an economics seminar, with him and 3-4 others speaking, in our Cow year (juniors) as we were all taking economics. Some of the subject matter was difficult for many classmates, and a big test in econ was coming up. Jim got permission for us to have a 3-hour seminar in the basement of the lost Fifties barracks, from 7 to 10PM one night, and he led us through a layman's version of the difficult stuff that we were reading in the economics textbook. Along with other speakers, he primed us for that coming test, and we all did well. He cared about his classmates, and went the extra mile that night. (There were about 30-40 attendees that night from a lot of different companies of the Brigade). Jim joined in helping his company win the prestigious Banker's trophy in our senior year. The company had to get points in everything from parades to academics to athletics. Our Company tactical officer, Major Cheney, let it be known that anyone who had boxing experience WOULD enter the Brigade boxing Open that year, in order to get more points. So two first classmen (Jim and I) were entered in the various weight classes for the Open, along with three or four other underclassmen. Jim had a great competitive spirit, and it showed as I tried to coach him in his first match (I had been the boxing coach for the winter intermural team). Our discussions between the 3 rounds of the match went something like this: Marty -- Jim, you've got to be careful with this guy, watch for his left hook. Jim -- I'll kill the guy, Rez !! (Rez was a nickname from my last name) Next Round (Marty)-- Jim, the left hook is getting you so catch it with your right arm. Jim -- I'll kill this guy, Rez !! Needless to say, I wasn't very successful in moving Jim from fury to controlled fury in a boxing match! But such was his competitive spirit that he usually prevailed in any competitive undertaking. P.S. -- we did win the Banker's Trophy in 1965.

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