James Francis Schmitt
September 13, 1954 - September 26, 2016
Obituary
DEFOREST-James "Jim" Francis Schmitt, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Sept. 26, 2016. He was born on Sept. 13, 1954, the son of Donald and Shirley (Roessler) Schmitt. He graduated from Marshall High School. Following high school, Jim attended UW–Madison, earning a degree in mechanical engineering. He was an accomplished engineer at Kraft Foods for 30 years where he had the opportunity to travel to various parts of the United States and Germany. His engineering skills were very appreciated at home where he was able to build or fix just about anything. Jim met his beloved wife, Sandra Smith at the Prairie Athletic Club 35 years ago (the pre-online dating service!). He was a master racquetball player as well as her instructor. Jim and Sandra married on September 28, 1985, and raised two wonderful boys who Jim mentored, loved deeply and was very proud of. He greatly enjoyed participating in their activities growing up. Jim's interests included anything athletic: golfing, biking, racquetball, softball, fishing and being with friends. His friends were countless and devoted. They often golfed or fished together and certainly laughed. Sandra and Jim enjoyed road trips across the United States listening to Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again" and golfing all along the way. Jim was a person you could count on without fail and his determination was a force of nature. Not only did he have an award-winning smile and stellar quick-wit but his personality always enabled him to do the right thing. He will be dearly missed. Jim is survived by his wife, Sandra D. Schmitt; sons, Michal K. Schmitt and Erik A. Schmitt; mother, Shirley Nickerson; siblings, Sharon (Daniel) Hein, Darlene Blankenship, Diane (Kirk) Virchow; sisters in-law, Kathleen White and Sharon (Eric) Collier; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald; step-father, Howard Nickerson; and nephew, Troy Virchow. A funeral service will be held at ST. ALBERT THE GREAT CHURCH, 2420 St. Albert Dr., Sun Prairie, at 2 p.m., on Tuesday, Oct. 4, 2016. Visitation will be held at the church from 12 p.m. Noon until the time of the service on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the American Family Children's Hospital in Jim's name as he loved children and they loved him in return. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608)221-5420
Events
Visitation
Tue Oct 4, 2016 @ 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT
St. Albert The Great Catholic Church (Sun Prairie) • 2420 St. Albert Dr., Sun Prairie, WI null
Service
Tue Oct 4, 2016 @ 2:00 PM CDT
St. Albert The Great Catholic Church (Sun Prairie) • 2420 St. Albert Dr., Sun Prairie, WI null
Photos
Memories
AK
Annette Kaufman
Other •
Sandy,
So sorry to hear of your loss. There are no good words but just know that you and all of your family are being lifted up in prayer as you make your way.
Annette Kaufman
AR
Ashley La Rock
Other •
Shared a photo.
+ 3
DB
Darlene Blankenship
Other •
Rest in Peace Jim. My heart and life are shattered. I am so Blessed to have had you in my life. I will forever keep all of the precious memories we made together close. I will hold onto all of those wonderful, and of course , wild and crazy times we shared forever . You will always be in my heart, my thoughts, my prayers and my passenger seat, wherever I go. You have a very special place in my heart. I will miss you immensely, I already do. My love for you is endless. Looking forward to our reunion in
Heaven. Sending my Love and huge Hugs your way. (Please share them with Dad and Troy... I will make
sure there will be enough to go around)❣
Love your crazy sister, Darlene 💔
KK
Kim Kohler
Other •
I'm not really sure what to say. Jim was my first boyfriend. Of course, he didn't know that until MANY years later as, at the time, he was 17 and I was 5! However, I wrote Kim + Jim everywhere. His smile, his beautiful blue eyes and especially his laugh are things that I have and will remember for the rest of my life. I am so sorry for the whole family and for everyone who knew him, if only for a few minutes. One meeting with Jim and you knew that you were someone important and valued. He was one in a billion and my heart is breaking. I'm sure that he and my dad (who died 09/26/14) and his dad are laughing together right now. Love from the neighbor girl, Kim
HH
Holly Holty
Other •
Prayers and <HUGS> for your loss Jim Schmitt family. Jim was a special guy and I still have such fond memories of spending time with Darlene, Sharon and Jim when I was in elementary school. He was a great big brother, always kind, funny & had a great smile. May God comfort you and give you his peace as you grieve his loss and look forward to seeing him again in heaven.
JM
Jerry Marra
Other •
It was a privilege to have worked and played with my friend Jim for so many years. He was one of the great engineers at Oscar Mayer and taught me more than I can even remember. My long time Cherokee Member-Guest partner, twice a winning team, always the most fun. I will never forget it. My condolences to everyone.