James "Jim" A. Schmitt

James "Jim" Schmitt, 86, passed away peacefully on August 18, 2025. He was born on April 10, 1939, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Albert and Pearl Schmitt, a machinist and homemaker.

From an early age, he showed grit and resilience and was known for being “tough as nails.” At just nine years old, he was struck by a car on his way to school, resulting in a coma, internal injuries, and a severely broken leg. After a month-long recovery in the hospital, he returned home —an early sign of the determination that would define his life. Even in his later years, his strength endured. At age 79, he survived three days and two nights in below-freezing temperatures alone in the woods without food or water. Though found with a twisted ankle and dehydrated, he made a full recovery after a week in the hospital—yet another testament to his enduring willpower.

Jim began his career as an apprentice at Wehr Steel Company, earning his journeyman’s card before answering a higher calling. In 1963, he became a firefighter in West Allis, dedicating 28 years to serving and protecting his community until his retirement in 1991.

Jim was blessed with a loving family and shared 66 wonderful years of marriage with his high school sweetheart, Nancy (nee Behling). Together, they raised four children—Steve, Kurt, Julie, and Karen—with patience, humility, and a hands-on approach to life. Jim taught them how to read, write, work with tools, and appreciate the beauty of nature, often taking the family on memorable trips in northern Wisconsin.

One of his real passions was to be outdoors hunting and fishing. As a youngster, he hunted small game near his childhood home, then as a young adult, he traveled with friends throughout Wisconsin to hunt waterfowl at Horicon Marsh, ice fish at Green Lake, bow hunt in Necedah, and turkey hunt outside of Green Bay. He also traveled out of state hunting Elk in Wyoming and Colorado. In his later years, he enjoyed spending time on his property in northern Wisconsin, where he maintained the trails, pulled out beaver dams, cut firewood, and still found time to deer hunt. He was a long-time member of the Wisconsin Woodland Owners Association.

Known for his strong convictions and confidence, Jim was never one to be easily swayed. While he grew up in a traditional working-class household, he forged his own path—rarely drinking and never smoking. If Jim believed something should be done a certain way, that’s the way it was going to be done. He was loyal, principled, and truly one-of-a-kind. If you were his friend, you had a friend for life.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife Nancy; his children Steve (Linda), Kurt (Debbie), Julie (Jay Graupp), and Karen (George) Trujillo ; eight grandchildren, Elizabeth, Jessica, Rebecca, Justin, Pam, Cole, Madison, and Gage; eight great-grandchildren; his sister Judy Huebner; Sister-in-law Rose Schmitt, as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jim is predeceased by his parents, his brother Don Schmitt, and his sister Bette Kernohan.

A visitation will be held Monday, August 25, from 10:00 a.m. to noon, followed by a service at noon and a 1:00 p.m. burial at Arlington Cemetery. A luncheon will follow at Meyer’s.

In lieu of flowers or donations, the family invites you to share prayers, condolences, and memories in honor of Jim’s life well lived.