COTTAGE GROVE - Jim, age 78, passed away peacefully at Prairie Edge Farm on Sunday, July 19, 2026, surrounded by the place he loved.

Born in Dubuque, Iowa, Jim was the son of Joseph and Bernice Schmidt. From an early age, he embraced learning, service, and adventure, proudly earning the rank of Eagle Scout. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, where he served as a ‘Special Electronics Technician’ while stationed in Tokyo, Japan.

Following his military service, Jim earned a Master's Degree in Psychology from Marquette University and continued his education in Computer Science at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, eventually becoming a Certified IT Instructor. Throughout his career, he served as Director of IT Systems for Wisconsin Central Center and Mendota Mental Health, retiring in 2008. In retirement, he taught Computer Applications at Madison Area Technical College and Blackhawk Technical College in Beloit. Jim was very gifted in IT, earning him the affectionate title of the "Technology Guru.” He was always happy to lend a hand to family or friends in need of computer assistance.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Jim embraced life with enthusiasm and joy. He loved golfing, ballroom dancing, and prairie restoration. One of Jim’s favorite mottos about life was "If I can't golf and I can't dance, then what's to life?" Those who knew him understood that these weren't just hobbies, they were the activities that brought him genuine happiness. Yet perhaps nothing brought him greater joy than climbing onto his Kubota tractor and spending the day caring for Prairie Edge Farm.

Together with Mary, Jim transformed Prairie Edge Farm into a place of beauty, peace, and community. His talents and dedication can be seen in every corner of the property-from the yellow orchids to the trees he planted, the restored prairie, every rock in the rebuilt barn foundation, and the craftsmanship in the house. His vision and hard work created not only a home, but a lasting legacy, that is reflected in the creation of “The Roost”, a dance barn which is enjoyed by the local dance community. Dancers will continue to dance in the beauty of the Prairie Edge Farm in his memory.

Above all else, Jim treasured his family. He is survived by his life partner, Mary K. Wick; his daughter, Amanda (Scott) Curwick; his son, Ryan Schmidt; and his cherished granddaughters, Ella and Layla Curwick, all who brought him immeasurable pride and joy. He is also survived by his sister, Joann (Jon) Lovett; his brother, Dick (Shona) Schmidt; along with many dear friends, dancing companions, and lifelong golf buddies whose lives were enriched by his kindness, humor, and generous spirit.

A Celebration of Jim's Life will be held at MESSIAH LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5202 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, at 10 a.m. on Friday, September 11, 2026. A memorial service and Military Honors will follow at 11 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Jim's name may be made to Reach Out Lodi (https://reachoutlodi.org/donate) or PBS Wisconsin (https://pbswisconsin.org/donate).

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Melissa at Agrace HospiceCare for her exceptional care and compassion, and to the dedicated team at the UW Carbone Cancer Center.

Jim will be remembered for his quiet generosity, unwavering curiosity, gentle humor, and the love he poured into his family, his friends, and the land he so faithfully cared for. His legacy will live on in the beauty of Prairie Edge Farm, in every dance at The Roost, and in the countless lives he touched along the way.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

James "Jim" Craig Schmidt

February 02, 1948 - July 19, 2026

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