James "Jim" Craig Schmidt

We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Madison

I knew Jim through the ballroom dance community and always appreciated his love and commitment to ballroom dancing.

I first met Jim at dance events in Madison, and was among those invited to he and Mary's Prairie Edge Farm dinner events even before the transformation into the magnificent property it has now become. Jim was always kind and willing to chat about dance and his prairie plantings, and I was happy to be invited to the 'Roost' events. We have all lost a kind and generous man! He will be missed by all who knew him.

My brother Bob Halford introduced me to Jim Schmidt via a golf fundraiser for MARC. I have many fond memories of playing golf with Bob and Jim. Later we were joined by my son Steve, and occasionally by my brother Tom. After the heated competition on the course, we would stop at the local McDonald's for a burger and solve the world's problems. More great memories came as our families got together for holiday parties in Waunakee and Fitchburg and for the wonderful summer and holiday events at the Prairie Edge Farm. Nancy and I treasure these memories and the friendship, wit & wisdom, and joy for life that Jim brought us and anybody he met on the way. Mary, Scott & Amanda, Ryan and families, please know we are sad that Jim is gone, but we are multitudes happier because Jim was our friend. David, Nancy and Steve Halford

I never saw Jim when he didn't have a huge smile on his face! When I was new to the dance community he was so kind when dancing with me. He was such a fabulous dancer that he made me so nervous, yet he never said a negative word about my skill level. He was so kind and welcoming. He was so proud of "The Roost", with good reason! We are all grieving the loss of such a wonderful human!