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John Schmitz Obituary

John Jay Schmitz

July 16, 1941 - April 16, 2013

SALEM - John was born in Seattle July 16, 1941 and came to Salem with his family in 1946. After graduating from Serra Catholic High school in 1959 he attended Oregon State University, where he earned a degree in Food Science in 1964.

Following two years in the army,during which time he served mainly in Louisiana and Qui Nhon, Vietnam.

He returned from Viet Nam and enrolled at the University of Oregon and earned a Master's in Journalism in 1968.

John then spent 3 years in the Los Angeles area, where he worked for General foods and Capitol Records.

He returned to Oregon in 1971,working mainly in advertising for 10 years. For three of those years his sister,Susie Valentine, and he produced a nationally syndicated comic strip called "Adoornments."

In 1981 John returned to Salem, his home town, to work as a freelance advertising and feature news writer until his sudden death of natural causes.

He is survived by five pet squirrels and several ducks.

Last wish: Make sure the oven is off

At John's request there will be no service.

His family will miss him dearly as he was truly a good/honorable man and we will miss his humor. Somewhere he is cracking jokes and telling oneliners to anyone who will listen.

Published by The Statesman Journal from Apr. 20 to Apr. 21, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
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Sorry to hear of John's passing. We worked together at Capitol Records where he was a top exec in marketing there in early 1970s. He was a good guy to know. Last saw him about 10 years ago now and see his obit here on the Net. RIP man of many laughs.

Charlie Barrett

Friend

April 28, 2018

Sue, I'm so sorry for your loss. He was a fine man from a fine family.

Milt Johnson

July 10, 2013

I enjoyed hearing about John from Fr. Chuck during his Homily this morning at our Prince of Peace Church in Belfair, Washington. John seemed like a wonderful person with many successes in his life. My condolences, prayers, and sympathy to his family, and especially to Fr. Chuck, our much loved priest.

Rose Griffiths

April 28, 2013

I was very sorry to hear about John's death. John and I hung out together in high school and reconnected before the 2008 gathering with many phone calls and visits whenever I was in Salem to visit Family. We have continued this for the last 5 years. Somehow Oregon State Football and Baseball were discussed at great length.

I will miss John very much and wish to extend my deepest sympathy to his family, we talked a lot about both Chuck and Susie and I feel like I know you well.
I know John is in the best place of all with our Lord in Heaven

God Bless you both with your loss.

Gary Bigler
Olympia, Wash

April 26, 2013

I also went to school with John from first grade on. My condolences to his family. I know how hard it to lose a sibling.

Margarite Schmidt,-Schnitzer

April 26, 2013

John and I also met in first grade at St. Joseph's School. He was a super friend who helped make our Serra-SHA 50th reunion possible for the classes of 1959. I couldn't thank him enough for everything he did. Last Fall, he joined the Meyer's for Thanksgiving dinner at the Farm and proudly treated us to his favorite homemade family dill pickles. His "Dancing Cows" story for the Capital Press resulted from a visit we all made together to OSU for their agritourism conference. He was smart, funny, caring and a true gentleman. We extend our sympathies to family and friends....he will certainly be missed.

Mary Ann Santana

April 25, 2013

April 25, 2013

Our little corner of the world will be a lot less fun, and funnier, because of John's passing. I send my deepest condolences to John's family and friends. I met John over 25 years ago, when I lived at Greenside Village. I was grilling something for dinner on my little patio adjoining the golf course when a golf ball bounced up. I looked but didn't see anyone on the course. John was hiding, since he was playing a few holes "illegally" which he often did. I finally spotted him and called "Is this your golf ball?". He came over, we chatted and he wound up eating dinner with me. We've been friends ever since. When I bought my little farm John liked coming over, especially when my cherry tree produced the big, black cherries that he liked. We enjoyed going out for meals together. I don't remember any of the (many) jokes John told but I will always remember him. He was a rare man, helpful, trustworthy, kind, always ready to help any one any time. I will miss him. Joanne Urbigkeit

April 25, 2013

I,m so sorry to learn John has passed away. John and I met at the UofO and roomed together off and on for several years at one place or another from 1967 to the late 70's. We created a comic strip together called Hollywoodland and went to LA after he had worked down there and tried to sell it to a syndicate but no one bought it. But we had fun trying. John tried to teach me golf and all these years later I'm still trying. We lost touch after I married buy had lunch in Salem a couple of years ago and talked of getting together more often. I'm saddened we have lost that chance. John was a good friend for many years.

Bill Pennell

April 22, 2013

So sorry to read of John's passing. My brother Bill and I shared many fun times with him while we were kids growing up and living on Winter/Cottage streets. And berry picking, too...He was a great guy, and had that special sense of humor even then.

Shelley Burrell Lewelling

April 22, 2013

Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.

Mike Eastlund

April 20, 2013

We will miss John's humor and all the emails going back and forth
from the class of 59. Our sympathy is extended to John's famnily.
The Bender Family

April 20, 2013

I went to school with John from first grade. We worked together on our 20th highschool class reunion. We had a nice visit at our 50th reunion in 2009. I have many good memories of John and the Schmitz family. I am sorry for your loss. Ginger Gander

April 20, 2013

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