James Schmidt

James "Jim" Schmidt
1942 - 2021
Readfield-Jim Schmidt, 78, was a warm, smart, funny, caring man who spent his life giving care and love to others. He adored his family, even had MAJEC tattooed on his arm to celebrate his five grandchildren, Mary, Anna, Jarred, Ella and Chris. Family was always at the center of his world. He was a loyal and steadfast parent and friend and supported those he cared about with wise counsel and love throughout his life.
He was born November 30, 1942 in Maine and loved this state with passion. As a child, he spent many good times at his mother's family farm in West Bethel on the Androscoggin River. His father, Dr. Lorrimer Schmidt, and his mother Dorothy Pearl Grover, moved the family to Augusta, and he and his brother, David, lived on the grounds of the Veterans Administration at Togus. Compassion and caring for others were strong values in their home.
After graduating from Cony High School in Augusta, Jim went on to Tufts University and then University of Pennsylvania Dental School. While at Penn Dental, he signed up for the Navy Dental Corps.
In 1967, Jim married Anne Massey Schmidt from Montclair, New Jersey, and they moved to California to serve with the 31st Naval Construction Regiment in Port Hueneme as a Navy Seabee. He served with great pride and was a true patriot. At the close of his time with the Seabees, Jim and Anne and their son, Rob, moved to Augusta, Maine, and their daughter, Dianna, was born there in 1971.
After 6 years in his practice at the Dental Arts Building in Augusta, Jim moved to the Togus VA Hospital and served as the Chief of the Dental Clinic for over 30 years. His service to veterans was a source of great pride, and as he said, "it was a good ride". As he worked at the VA, he began a long commitment to the Maine Dental Association. This role afforded him an incredible opportunity to be involved in dental policy, teaching, and mentoring. Additionally, his VA career afforded him the opportunity to serve the Department of Veterans Affairs in Washington. Also, his commitment to dentistry carried over to a position on the Council on Education and Licensure with the American Dental Association; he truly loved these adjunct roles.
He retired from the VA and then moved on to Community Dental reaching out to underserved areas to help provide affordable dentistry. He spent many fulfilling years teaching resident physicians at the Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency about emergency dental procedures. He always said that he enjoyed "muddling young minds" as he worked with bright young physicians. This was one of the most rewarding times in his dental career.
Family has been the heart and soul of Jim's life. He always put family first and made sure to be there for the many events for his children and then his grandchildren. He and Anne were always a team throughout their nearly 54 years of marriage. Many of these years were spent enjoying life on Maranacook Lake. As Jim endured a very difficult journey with cancer these last years, his one goal was to have time with his family. His passion for life and his courage defined him. His loved ones were fortunate to be present throughout this journey, and Jim made an incredible effort to stay with them and enjoy each day.
Jim was a collector of quotes and one of his favorites was: Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well-preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming-WOW-What a Ride! And what a ride it was!
Jim is survived by his loving wife, Anne; his son Rob and wife Julie; his daughter Dianna and wife Kelli; and his five grandchildren Mary Erb, Christopher Erb, Jarred Schmidt, Ella Schmidt, and Anna Erb. He is also survived by his brother David and his wife, Harriet and by many loving cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.
There will be a celebration of Jim's life on Sunday, October 17th from 12:00-4:00 p.m. at Jim and Anne's home, for directions and/or more information please email jarredjon@aol.com. Due to current high COVID-19 transmission rates, masks are respectfully recommended.
In lieu of flowers and in honor of Jim's great love of Maranacook Lake, donations in his memory may be made to The Maranacook Lake Association, P.O. Box 6, Winthrop, Maine 04364.
Arrangements are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 62 Bowdoin Street, Winthrop where memories and condolences may be shared with the family at www.khrfuneralhomes.com.