James Eugene Schmitt

James (Jim) passed away surrounded by his loved ones on Thursday, January 22nd at 82 years

old at the Sanford Medical Center in Bemidji. James was born February 25, 1943, in Park Rapids,

MN to Eugene & Teresa (Skeffington) Schmitt. Jim lived a full life. He graduated from Laporte

High School in 1961. James was drafted into the Army and served as a diesel mechanic in

Germany from July 1966-April 1968. He married the love of his life, Susan Kay Zyllo, on

December 18, 1971, in Guthrie, MN. John, their son, was born in 1972, followed by daughter

Brenda in 1982. He was a farmer and logger and a jack-of-all-trades his entire life. Jim worked

many jobs including section hand on the Northern Pacific Railroad, drove semi-truck, and

worked in construction. In 1992, he started working at Northwood Panelboard and remained

there until his retirement in 2006. In 2006, Jim was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma cancer

and went through a stem cell transplant and survived many more years than expected.

He was a wonderful father-in-law to Shani & Matt, and proud grandfather to Nate, Emilee,

Esme & Arden. He was an avid deer hunter, card player, had the gift of gab, could fix anything,

and had a passion for John Deere tractors. He enjoyed attending the Itasca Pioneer Farmers

Show in August every year and took 1st place in his class in the old-time tractor pull. He was so

proud of this accomplishment. He also attended the Western MN Steam Threshers Reunion in

Rollag, MN for many years. He was a long-time member of St. Philips Catholic Church. We will

remember him as a humble man of strong faith who was funny, good-natured, and always

willing to lend a helping hand. In his own words, "I'm not scared because I have my Jesus".

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Susan of Guthrie, MN. Son, John (Shani) Schmitt and

children Nate & Emilee of Guthrie, MN. Daughter, Brenda (Matt) Henriksen and children Esme

and Arden of Bemidji, MN. Sisters, Susan Moos of Anoka, MN and Anne Schummer of Guthrie,

MN. Sisters-in-law, Sandy (Buster) Smith of Bemidji, MN and Janie Zyllo of Bemidji, MN along

with nieces & nephews. He is also survived by numerous lifelong friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, maternal grandparents, Leo & Anna Skeffington,

paternal grandparents, Nicolas & Susan Schmitt, in-Laws Ted & Ardella Zyllo, Brothers-in-law,

David Zyllo, Matthew (Matty) Schummer, and Robert (Bob) Moos.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am, Friday, January 30, 2026, at St. Philip's Catholic Church

in Bemidji, MN. A visitation will be held from 5-7 pm, with a Rosary held at 6:30pm, on

Thursday, January 29, 2026, at the Cease Family Funeral Home in Bemidji, MN, and an hour

before the service at the church. Interment will be held at 2:30pm, at the Guthrie Cemetery in

Guthrie, MN under the direction of the Cease Family Funeral Home of Bemidji.