John Phillip Schmidt

1965 - 2017

Justice John P. Schmidt 1965 - 2017
Springfield, IL—Justice John P. Schmidt
It is with great sadness that the family of Justice John P. Schmidt, of Springfield, announces his sudden passing on Tuesday, December 19, 2017, at the age of 52 years old.
John Phillip Schmidt was born on January 8, 1965, in Springfield, the son of Phillip H. and Susan Conavay Schmidt. He married Robin Lee DuRocher on October 5, 2001 in Springfield.
John attended Farmingdale Grade School and Lanphier High School, where he was a proud Lion, who played center for the football team for four years. His father, the late Phillip Schmidt, served as principal at Lanphier and his mother was an educator. It was in high school when John decided he wanted a career in law, realizing it was a better match for his skill set than his dream of becoming an Air Force pilot.
A graduate of Western Illinois University and Tulsa School of Law, John began his career as a special assistant U.S. attorney from 1990-1992. From 1992-1995, he served as Assistant State's Attorney and as First Assistant State's Attorney for four years until being appointed to State's Attorney for Sangamon County in 1999. Undefeated in every election after being appointed, John served as State's Attorney for eleven years total. He was appointed to be a Circuit Court Judge for the 7th Circuit in 2010. On December 7, 2017, John was honored and humbled to have been chosen by the Illinois Supreme Court as a Justice of the 4th District Appellate Court.
John was a well-respected, thoughtful prosecutor, and judge, known for his integrity and his pragmatic application of the law. He was a mentor to many young attorneys and greatly respected and valued by his colleagues.
John served on many boards, including the Illinois State's Attorney Appellate Prosecutor's Office and the Illinois State's Attorneys Association, serving as President in 2004. He was also honored to have received the St. Agnes Children's Award in 2016 and was most pleased to have been recognized as St. Agnes "Grill Master."
John loved to travel with his family. He was the "2017 Husband of the Year" when he surprised his wife with a special trip to Iowa to see her favorite band. John was blessed to have taken numerous trips with his wife and son including this past year, to Disney World and Washington, D.C. He enjoyed playing trivia with his family and friends and especially loved competing, loudly, in afternoon "Jeopardy" matches with Robin and Johnny. He also enjoyed the morning crossword, and cherished the beginning of each day. He loved his family and his dog, Macaroni.
John will be most remembered as a dedicated husband to his wife, Robin, and father to son John "Johnny" P. Schmidt II. His devotion to his family was only rivaled by his dedication to public service.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
John is survived by his wife, Robin; son, Johnny; his uncle Eric and aunt Joanne Schmidt; in-laws, Norma Seibert and Robert DuRocher; brothers-in-law, Ryan (Melinda) DuRocher and Scott (Toni) Seibert; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at St. Agnes Church, 245 N. Amos Ave., Springfield.
Funeral Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2017 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.
Burial will follow at Old Salem Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to: Sacred Heart-Griffin Band Program, 1200 W. Washington, Springfield, IL 62702; St. Agnes Memorial Scholarship and Tuition Fund, 251 N. Amos, Springfield, IL 62702; or the Springfield Parks Foundation, 2500 S. 11th, Springfield, IL 62703.
Please visit butlerfuneralhomes.com to offer your condolences.