James R Schmidt

Funeral Services will be held on Wednesday, May 8, at 10:00 AM at Cypress Baptist Church, with Rev. Thomas Patton, presiding. A gathering of family of friends will be held between 5 – 7 PM, Tuesday, May 7, within the State Room of Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home.

‘Jim’ was born unto Jacob and Viola Schmidt, on Tuesday, October 16, 1945 on Barksdale, AFB, in Louisiana. Jim was raised in Bossier City and was a proud Bearkat alumni, from the Class of ‘63. Jim graduated with a Bachelors of Science from Louisiana Tech from the prestigious School of Engineering that would serve him well, as he spent the duration of his career, as a Civil Engineer, working for Southern Components and Panel Truss.

Jim also served his country by joining the Navy and serving during Vietnam for two years. While in the armed forces, Jim was in the Naval Construction Battalion, known as: The SeaBees.

He served in the Krewe of Centaur as Float Lieutenant for several years; as Duke of Fantasy; and was the King Centaur XV. He thoroughly enjoyed being creative with production of floats where one of the main accomplishments was the carving of the beautiful sun that continues to ride in the Centaur parade each year. He treasured the many friends he made while serving in the Krewe.

Jim was a 10-year member of Cypress Baptist Church, Benton, LA. He adored the wonderful friends in his Sunday School Class at Cypress Baptist Church who were extremely supportive of him through his lengthy illness. He especially enjoyed assisting with Sunday School Class events when needed.

Mr. Schmidt was preceded in death by his parents: Jacob Andrew Schmidt and Viola Bamburg Schmidt.

Left to cherish his memory are: his wife of 49 years, Claudene Philley Schmidt; his brother John Schmidt; numerous cousins; nieces; nephews; dear friends; and extended family.

He will be deeply missed.

In Lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be made in Jim’s Honor, to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Memphis, TN.