James William Schmidt

"Some people make the world special just by being in it."

Jim Schmidt could bring out the sun on the cloudiest of days. His loving smile, endless generosity, infectious humor, gentle spirit, optimistic outlook, "never give-up" attitude, and uncommon humility were apparent to all who had the pleasure of meeting and knowing him.

Jim Schmidt was born in the small coalmining town of Eskdale, West Virginia on March 29, 1933 to Nora and Henry Schmidt. He grew up entertaining the audience of 11 brothers and sisters with his creative high jinks and comedic personality. Despite his pranks and tomfoolery throughout his childhood, his parents Nora and Henry Schmidt always referred to him as a good little mamma's boy. His strong work ethic was apparent from a young age when he got his first job running the movie projectors at the local theater, where he worked from junior high till graduating from East Bank High School in 1951. This sparked his love of movies that continued throughout his life, especially mystery and western genres, with a special fondness to those starring John Wayne.

At the indestructible age of 19, Jim went to the recruitment office in Charleston, West Virginia to enlist in the Navy with the idea that he would be returning home later that evening. To his surprise he was put immediately on a bus bound for Ashland, Kentucky. This excellent student kept up his reputation by scoring an A+ on his health exam, and was then loaded on a train headed to Bainbridge, Maryland for basic training. Upon completion, Jim was stationed at San Diego Navel Station for communication technician training. That winter, Jim was assigned for duty aboard the USS Wisconsin.

Four years later, while stationed in Washington D.C. Jim met the love of his life, Shirley Sullivan, daughter of Cecil and Esther Sullivan of Hurricane, West Virginia. On August the 11th, after only 3 short months of courtship, they were wed in a quaint traditional Baptist ceremony at First Baptist Church of Hurricane. In November, the newlyweds set up home on the island of Okinawa, Japan. The following July, Jim and Shirley were blessed with the arrival of their first child, their daughter Melodie. From birth, Melodie was an instant daddy's girl and was spoiled rotten. Sixteen months later, they welcomed their rowdy baby boy, Jay, into the world. Jim was elated to have a son and baseball companion.

In 1966, while working for the Department of Defense, Jim and his family relocated to Fort Mead in Maryland, where he continued his career until his retirement in 1991.
Jim graduated from The University of Maryland in 1970, with a BBA in accounting and business administration.

Throughout his life, Jim enjoyed taking family vacations, coaching numerous baseball and softball teams, gardening, and woodworking. Jim was also 32 member of the brotherhood of the Masons. Jim was actively involved in many activities in his church, and served as an usher for many years at Montrose Baptist Church, where he was saved and later baptized.

Jim retired to Plano, Texas with his wife Shirley where they joined Hunter's Glen Baptist Church. Jim spent most of his time umpiring softball games, and spoiling his four grandchildren, J.D., Marissa, Jase and Devyn. Jim felt very blessed to have the chance to be actively involved in raising his grandchildren. Some of the fondest memories they have of him are being awoken every morning for school with his off-key rendition of "oh what a beautiful morning", and stories about being fed mashed potatoes and ice cream as babies.

Surrounded by loving family, Jim peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, November 18th, 2009

We will all hold dear in our hearts the love, joy, compassion, loyalty, and devotion he not only taught, but also gave to us. Our prayer is that we will take his great qualities and pass them on to others.

We love you so much, and miss you greatly!

James is survived by his wife, Shirley, daughter, Melodie Holloway and her husband, Clark, son James William Schmidt II and his wife, Vicki, grandchildren James David Hunt, Marissa Gayle Hunt, James William Schmidt III, Devyn Marie Schmidt, James and Devyn's mother, Shannon Schmidt, sister, Irene Smith, brothers, Henry Samuel Schmidt, Jr. and Bennie Ray Schmidt. The family will receive friends for visitation on Sunday, November 22, 2009 at Allen Family Funeral Options from 3:00-5:00 pm. A funeral service to honor James's life will be held on Monday, November 23, 2009 at 9:00 a.m. at Hunter's Glen Baptist Church, 4001 Custer Road, Plano 75023. James will be laid to rest at 3:00pm on Monday at Central Texas Veterans State Cemetery in Killeen, Texas.

Memorials may be made in Jim's name to The Gideons International, P. O. Box 140800, Nashville, TN. 37214-0800 or to Hunter's Glen Baptist Church.