James "Smitty" Anthony Schmidt was born in New Ulm, Minnesota to Albert and Rose Schmidt. He graduated from Waterville High School in Waterville Minnesota and served four years in the Air Force as an aircraft mechanic. Jim lived in many states with most of his adult years spent in Oklahoma City, OK, Burwell, Nebraska, Kahoka, Missouri and Meckling, South Dakota.

Jim, or Smitty as many knew him, had the most unique sense of humor, was a lifelong musician, singer and guitar player who led the band JJ Country. Hard work was his way of life and he instilled that work ethic into his children. A man who loved classic cars and could turn any rust bucket into a classic car blue ribbon champion.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Donnie and son David. He is survived by his ex-wife Loretta, sister Marlys and husband Ron Peterson, sister Judy Villwock, sister Kathie Evans, his son Randy and wife Christine Schmidt, daughter Angel Boyd, daughter Lisa and husband Jeff Swindler, son Joe and wife Jennifer Farvour, daughter DeeAnn and husband John Arnold, son Mel Schmidt, and daughter Jamie Davis. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren.

We will forever miss his mischievous laugh and spirit.

The family had a private viewing and service. Jim is interred at the Calvary Cemetery located in Kilkenny, Minnesota close to his parents and family.