James Harvey Schmitz

James Harvey Schmitz, 81, of Random Lake WI was called home to be with the Lord on February 27, 2026, a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather and servant of faith, Jim will be remembered for his giving heart, strong work ethic, sense of humor and his dedication to his loved ones.

He was born on July 16, 1944 in Milwaukee, WI, a son of the late Harvey and Marie (Wegman) Schmitz. He attended Garden Homes Elementary School until the family moved to Random Lake in 1954. He then attended Random Lake Elementary and High School. He attended Milwaukee Area Technical College where he received his certificate in Automotive Collision Repair.

Jim was the owner operator of Silver Creek Auto Body from 1971 to 1996. He was recognized for his automotive painting skills as seen by his signature flames and custom paint jobs on his vehicles and golf carts. He worked at Mike Burkart Ford until he retired in 2005.

He was a devoted member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Sherman Center, serving on a variety of boards and committees. He was a faithful supporter of Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School. He was a proud member of the Silver Creek Fire Department and belonged to the Wisconsin Auto Collision Technicians Association (WACTAL now WCRP).

Jim was known for his unwavering love of his family. He was first married to the late Nancy (Degnitz) Schmitz for 34 years with whom they raised 3 children. He was blessed to find companionship and love with Patricia (Mueller) Schmitz, whom he married in 2004.

He found joy in traveling, wintering in Florida, spending time up north and watching his grandchildren play sports. He loved to go camping, fishing, biking, golfing and tinkering in his wood working room or on his old car.

He is survived by his wife Patricia, his children Marcy (Dave) Heuer, Mark (Kate) Schmitz and Amy (Wendell) Smith, his step children Kris (Peter) Bemis, Jane (Ron) Rumack, Chuck (Barb) Mueller, Kelly (Dave) Merten, grandchildren, Sophia, Jack, Zach, Tony, Lizzy, Connor, Zach, Cole, Brady, Sam, Reid, Krista, Carli, Nick, 16 great grandchildren and brothers Bob (Pat) Schmitz and Tom Schmitz.

Funeral service will be held on Monday evening (March 9, 2026) at 6:00 pm at St. John's Lutheran Church in Sherman Center. The Reverend Christopher Gillespie and Reverend Paul Marks will officiate.

Friends may greet the family at the church from 3:30 pm until the time of the service. A light dinner will be served after the service. Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. John's Sherman Center School or Sheboygan Area Lutheran High School.

The Suchon Funeral Home of Plymouth is serving the family. For online condolences, please visit www.suchonfh.com.