James C. Schmidt

James C. Schmidt July 16, 1928 - August 10, 2015 SAN DIEGO -- James C. Schmidt, 87, passed away on August 10, 2015 with his family by his side. The only child of Estelle E. Furry, Jim "JC" was born in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. He moved with his mother to Chicago, Illinois as a young boy and completed his education at Lane Tech. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1945 at the young age of 17. His Navy unit participated in Operation Crossroads - Atom Bomb testing in the Bikini Atoll Islands in July, 1946. He worked as a Systems Analyst/Data Processor for Union Tribune Publishing Co., Copley Press HQ in La Jolla, La Mesa/Spring Valley School District and retired with 21 years of service with The Brady Companies. Jim loved the outdoors and shared that sense of adventure with his wife, Dorothy and their five children. Their favorite trips took them to Yosemite National Park .joining other church families for Christian family camps. The Schmidt Family summited Half Dome one summer on a three-day trek in the wilderness. His avid love of nature continued into his early 80's with Jet-skiing, roller blading and bicycling with his family and friends. After retirement, Jim was fortunate to be able to continue his camping adventures, a trip across Europe and many wonderful cruise ship vacations. Jim continued to make life-long friends along those journeys because he was so proud to share stories about his family. Love of family and a continued strong Christian faith was the key to their happy family life. Jim was preceded in death by Dorothy (his loving wife of 61 years). Jim is survived by his companion, Lenore; his son, James C. Schmidt Jr.; and four daughters, Linda Parker, Judy Bunger, Patricia Oliver and Betty Sue Tickner, as well as nine grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, extended family and friends.