Jim was born in Burr Nebraska on September 7, 1936. He graduated high school and earned his bachelor degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University. Jim went on to the University of Nebraska where he received his Law degree. He joined the FBI before starting a career in commercial real estate. Jim married Sandra May Downey on April 27, 1963 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Bound Brook, New Jersey. He and Sandy raised their family in Rochester and Oakland Township, Michigan. Jim continued in real estate with Kmart Corporation from 1965-1980. He joined Service Merchandise for two years, and then ran his own real estate company for the remainder of his career.
Jim loved college basketball and football, especially his beloved Nebraska Cornhuskers. He enjoyed traveling the world with family including Tahiti, New Zealand, and Australia among many others. His home in Stuart, Florida brought him much happiness during the winter season. Faith, family and patriotism were very important to him.
Jim was predeceased by his wife Sandy in 2014; parents John and Edna Schmidt, and his daughter Kathryn Schmidt. He is survived by children JJ Sr (Kathleen) Schmidt, David (Sue) Schmidt, and Susan Schmidt; grandchildren Daniel (Claire) Morgan-Heredia, Andrew Heredia, Eva (Luke) Zasadny, Sarah, Hans, JJ Jr, Peter, Gabriel, and Marianna Schmidt; great-grandchild Ida Morgan-Heredia; as well as niece Katie (Cassidy) Donwen and their four daughters; brother in law Bill (Anita) Downey.
Jim’s family welcomes all to a visitation on Tuesday July 6, 2021 from 10 a.m. until the time of funeral service at 11 a.m. at Pixley Funeral Home, located at 322 W. University Drive in downtown Rochester, Michigan. Burial will follow at Van Hoosen Jones Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made in Jim's honor to Folds of Honor online at www.foldsofhonor.org.
