James Schmidt

1948 - 2025

James W. Schmidt, age 76, of Randall, MN, passed away on January 4, 2025, at Essentia St. Mary's Medical Center in Duluth, MN.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. James Catholic Church in Randall, MN.

James was born on September 13, 1948, to William and Elaine (Zurawski) Schmidt in Little Falls, MN. He grew up in Randall and graduated from Little Falls High School with the class of 1966. James then attended Bemidji State College, earning a degree in History. After college, he served in the United States Air Force for four years. Upon completing his military service, James worked as a civil servant at Camp Ripley, retiring after 20 years of dedicated service.

James had a passion for outdoor activities, especially hunting, fishing, and playing pool. He was also a loyal fan of the Minnesota Twins and Vikings.

James will be missed for his kindness and sense of humor by all who knew him.

He is survived by his children Jackie (Anthony Sr) Elliott of Little Falls, MN, John (Shiela) Schmidt of Everette, WA, and Robert (Karen) Schmidt of Boone, IA; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild; five brothers Charles Schmidt of Effie, MN, Joseph Schmidt of Motley, MN, Gerald (Kim) Schmidt of Little Falls, MN, Dennis (Eileen) Schmidt of Big Lake, MN, and William (Lorraine) Schmidt of Cushing, MN; six sisters Catherine (Gerald) Goltz of Staples, MN, Janet (Larry) Hickle of Cedar, MN, Karen Schmidt of Monticello, MN, Nadine (Tom) Sears of Cohasset, MN, Carol Schmidt of Monticello, MN, and Laurie Schmidt of Becker, MN; and sister-in-law Pam Schmidt of Wahkon, MN.

James is preceded in death by his parents William and Elaine Schmidt, and brother Justin Schmidt.

Arrangements have been entrusted with Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Randall.