Founder of Viking Electric Passes Away

James Christian “Jim” Schacker, the founder and original owner of Viking Electric Supply, passed away on July 6 at the age of 93.

“He was a well-known and respected innovator in our industry.” — Stacy Stanslaski, President, Viking Electric

Schacker began his career in the electrical industry with General Electric as a salesman and then served at Price Electric in St. Paul. He founded Viking Electric Supply in 1964 and led the company until the sale to Sonepar approximately twenty years ago.

“Jim was a tremendous business man and mentor to many in the electrical industry. I did have the pleasure of working for Jim before the Sonepar purchase of Viking Electric. He knew everyone’s name in the organization and always addressed you directly when he saw you.” — Brett Wilson, Vice President of Sales, Viking Electric

Schacker was born October 15, 1926 in St. Paul, Minnesota. The day after he graduated from high school in 1944, he enlisted in the Air Force. After the war, he attended Coe College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. He was an accomplished pilot and loved nothing more than spending time in the air and also spending time with his grandchildren.

Schacker is preceded in death by his parents, Christian Henry Schacker and Mary Baylor Schacker and sisters, Sarah Jane Walker and Mary Louise O’Neil. He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Mary E. Schacker and his three children, Gregory J. Schacker (Suzan), Mary Christine Schacker Hennessy, and Timothy W. Schacker (Kristin). Schacker has five grandchildren; Bryant Joseph Hennessy, Jayme Hennessy Piandes, Laura Jansen, Jacob Schacker, Samuel Schacker, and eight great-grandchildren.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Schacker’s funeral service is limited to family members. Interment will be at St. Mary’s of the Lake Cemetery in White Bear Lake, Minnesota. Jim was devoted to his Catholic faith and his passion for helping those in need. His family asks that donations in his name be directed to the Little Sisters of the Poor, 330 Exchange Street, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55102.

Schacker’s obituary can be found here.