James H. "Jim" Schmidt

James H. "Jim" Schmidt
James H. "Jim" Schmidt, 78, of Abrams, WI died peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025
at the Aurora Bay Care Medical Center in Green Bay, WI.
He was born in Chicago on March 9, 1947, the son of the late James F. and Irene (Watts)
Schmidt. He was a lifelong resident of Chicago until his retirement. Jim graduated from Leo
High School in 1965.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Christine (nee Jarosz) Schmidt, his son James
(Malorie) Schmidt and his sweet grandson, Edison. He was a devoted husband, father and
grandfather. His loving sister Claudia (Jim) Klipp and brother, Dave (Cindy) Schmidt. Dear
uncle to Paul & Scott Klipp and James & Kristen Schmidt.
Jim served his country honorably during the Vietnam War (1966-1968) earning the rank of
SP5 – Specialist in explosives. His service included the Tet Offensive conflict in 1968,
sweeping for mines on roads and trails and demolition of enemy bridges. He also flew to
landing zones in Huey helicopters and often jumped out of hovering helicopters.
After his military service, he worked for AT&T telephone company in Chicago for several
years.
He then joined the Chicago Police Department where he worked as a patrolman for almost
30 years, mostly in the 10th District where he developed many close friendships with his
fellow police brothers. During that time, he earned his bachelor degree in Criminal Justice at
St. Xavier University.
Following his retirement from the CPD at age 53, he and his family moved to the beautiful
Upper Peninsula of Michigan, where they resided in Felch, near Iron Mountain Mi. for 22
years. There he enjoyed the best retirement of his life living in the woods, woodworking,
fishing, hunting and traveling with his family all over the U.P. He also enjoyed reading,
especially history of the Civil War and WWI and WWII. He loved watching his son play high
school football and basketball. He adored his Golden Retriever dogs.
He was known as a man of few words and when he spoke, people would listen. He had a
great sense of humor and was known for his uproarious laugh. He was very close to his
dearest friends: Patrick and Judy Steinbrecher, the late John Bugner, John Szostak, and
Bob & Virginia Major. Also, thanks to Randy Oman who often kept an eye on Jim in the
woods.
Memorial visitation Friday, November 21, 2025, 10:00 a.m. until time of Service 1:00 p.m. at the
Robert J. Sheehy & Sons Funeral Home, 9000 W. 151st Street, Orland Park, IL.
Interment private
In lieu of flowers, donations to Tunnel to Towers or DAV would be appreciated.
Please leave a memory for the family on Jim's Tribute Wall; your stories will bring comfort to his family.
www.sheehyfh.com 708-857-7878