James L. "Jim" Schmidt

James 'Jim' L. Schmidt
James "Jim" L. Schmidt, 92, of Morrison, Colorado left for the great woodworking shop in the sky on January 13, 2025.
He taught woodworking in the art department of Wilmette, Illinois Junior High for 35 years. Jim was a talented craftsman who made furniture, sculptures of birds, fish, horses and bowls. He even made a carousel horse and a strip cedar canoe. Later in life he enjoyed painting, especially a lifesize portrait of Clint Eastwood.
After graduating from Dixon High School, he served 2 years in the Army. He was fortunate to be chosen as the General's aide at Camp Cooke, CA. Upon returning to Illinois, he completed his bachelor's degree at Northern Illinois University.
In 1959, Jim and Julie Ortgiesen were married in Amboy. In 1994, they both retired from teaching and moved to Evergreen, Colorado, where they enjoyed mountain living for 18 years. Then, to be closer to family and amenities, they moved to their current home in Morrison, Colorado.
Jim was preceded in death by his mother, Lois, his father, Hugo, and brothers Tom, Bill and Ed.
His youngest brother, David, survives. He leaves behind his wife of 65 years, Julie, son, Randy, Jen (children Erica, Johnathon, and Jeffrey), daughter, Laura, Craig (children Laurisa and Julian), son Eric, Lucy (children Hugo and Leif).
A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring at Horan McConaty Funeral home, Lakewood, Colorado, followed by internment at Fort Logan Cemetery, Denver. Most of his life, Jim had to cope with diabetes. Donations in his memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 7023 Merrifield, VA 22116-7023.