James "Jim" Schmidt

James C. "Jim" Schmidt, 76, a resident of Fergus Falls, died peacefully surrounded by family Sunday, January 13, 2008 at his home in Fergus Falls with the support of hospice. He was born August 18, 1931, in Neosho, Missouri, the only child of George and Edna Gladys (Greathouse) Schmidt. His early years were spent in Washington Courthouse, Ohio. The family moved to Wadena when he was in the 5th grade. After graduating high school in Wadena in 1948 he attended the University of Minnesota-Minneapolis, graduating at 20 years of age in 1952. On July 19, 1952, he married Joean Bernauer in Wadena. They moved to Minneapolis where he was employed by the truck division of the International Harvester Company, transferring to Eau Claire, Wisconsin, Willmar and St. Cloud. In 1955 he bought the Chevrolet dealership in Elbow Lake. Three daughters, Susan, Cindy, and Jami were soon part of the family. They were very special to him. He spent many happy years in Elbow Lake as he was always the "go to" person if you wanted a hunting or fishing buddy. Jim lived life at full throttle. His father becoming handicapped when Jim was in 7th grade may have influenced his love of life. Jim's diagnosis of diabetes in his late 30's only served to strengthen this resolve. This was an inspiration for his children and grandchildren and has yielded many very animated and joyous, albeit somewhat noisy, family gatherings and celebrations. His many interests in life included golfing, trapshooting, raising quarter horses, his black lab dogs and flying his seaplane, the Canadian Cruiser, but mostly fishing and hunting. The joy of his life was flying or boating to Pleasure Island, a remote fishing camp in Ontario owned by him and his flying buddies. In 1969 the family moved to Fergus Falls and Jim went to work for the Minnesota Motor Company. In the early 80's he opened a used car lot (Jim Schmidt Motors) on Pebble Lake Road which he operated until he retired. He was a member of the Federated Church, the Elks, and Ducks Unlimited. Preceding him in death were his parents. Survivors include his beloved wife, Joean; three daughters: Susan (Charles) Miller of Casper, Wyoming, Cindy (Jay) McDougall of Fergus Falls, and Jami (Mike) McRoberts of Pickerel Lake; seven grandchildren: Meadow (Vinnie) Forget, Noah (Cindy) Miller, McKenzie (Tony) Wachlarowicz, Max and Molly McDougall, and Myria and Riley McRoberts; and seven great-grandchildren: Christian, Tyler, Gerald, Matt, Jon, Jonathan and Jackson. Also very close to him were Joean's sisters and brothers: Marilyn Morstad and the late David Morstad, Sally and Warren Gaslin, John and Marcia Bernauer, and David and Mary Bernauer. Visitation with family: 1 - 2 p.m. Thursday at the church Memorial Service: 2 p.m. Thursday at Federated Church, 224 North Union, Fergus Falls Clergy:     Reverend Doug Dent Funeral Home: Olson Funeral Home in Fergus Falls In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Federated Church, Lakeland Hospice, or the donor's choosing. Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com