James "Jim" A. Schmidt, 84, of West Bend, found peace on Friday, May 29, 2015 at Cedar Community.
He was born on September 14, 1930 to the late Arthur and Nora (nee Andersen) Schmidt in Milwaukee WI. He went on to attend the University of Wisconsin - Madison where, in 1951, he was part of the National Championship 8-man crew rowing team. At Madison he received his bachelor's degree in Metallurgical and Mining Engineering in 1952 and his Master's degree in 1953. On October 10, 1953 he was united in marriage to Dorothy Hildebrandt of Wauwatosa. He had a long and varied career as a Metallurgical Engineer in Pittsburgh, PA, and in the Milwaukee area. He was an officer in the Army Reserve, rising to the rank of Major. Jim enjoyed living and raising a family in Brookfield, scow sailing on Pewaukee Lake, and curling in Wauwatosa. Throughout his life he was an exceptionally skilled amateur golfer. Jim had a strong passion for music, enjoying classical music, big band music, and swing, and in his youth was a gifted clarinet player. Jim became a serious photographer, developing artistic skills in multi-format black and white portraiture, hand-painted black and white printing, and in stereo slides.
He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Dorothy; three children, Paul (Kristen) Schmidt, Jamie (Mara) Schmidt, and David (Karen) Schmidt; eight grandchildren, Jonathan Schmidt, Kyra Schmidt, Brian (FiancAC.e Rachel) Schmidt, Timothy Schmidt, Matthew (Beccah) Schmidt, Patti Schmidt, Wally (Stephanie) Schmidt, and Becky (Dan) Fiorenza; one great-grandchild, Sarah Schmidt; and other relatives and friends.
A memorial service in remembrance of Jim will be held on Monday June 1st at 3:00 pm at the Cedar Community Theater (5595 Hwy Z), West Bend. Pastor Jeff Dorth will officiate. Visitation will be in the Cedar Theater on Monday from 1:00 pm until the time of service.
Memorials to the University of Wisconsin - Madison Foundation are appreciated by the family.
A special thank you to all the nurses and staff at Cedar Community for the help and care they provided in his final years.