James H. Schmit

James ""Jim"" Schmit of Longmont, Colorado, died Thursday, March 30, 2006 at Longmont United Hospital of brain cancer at the age of 67.Jim was born September 19, 1938 to Louis and Hildegard (Amrhein) Schmit in Savannah, Illinois. As a young boy, he moved with his parents, two brothers and two sisters to Lake Geneva, Wisconsin. He married Barbara Sonnenberg on July 13, 1963 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and they later moved to Colorado in 1965.He was a mechanical engineer by trade and worked for various companies, later starting his own business (Product Development and Manufacturing Co.). After his retirement, Jim founded ""Scissors & Blades"", where he sharpened knives, clipper blades and scissors.Jim?s favorite hobby was boating and sailing. He got much joy in sharing this love with his family and friends. He also raised, handled and groomed Portuguese Water Dogs with his wife Barbara, under the kennel name, Sunnyhill Portuguese Water Dogs. His favorite dog was Benjamin, who was a Top Stud Dog for the past 5 years and produced many Champion get.He is survived by his wife, Barbara Schmit; son: Geoffrey Schmit, artist in New York City; daughter: Cara Jo Schmit, R.N. in San Diego; brother: Richard and wife, Lorraine Schmit in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; sister: Mary and husband, Tom Nielsen in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin; sisters-in-law: Carla (Sonnenberg) and Gerald Dew, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Eva (Sonnenberg) and husband, Earl Peychal in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Donna (Sonnenberg) and husband, Dale Weber in Fullerton, California and many nieces and nephews.He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother: Jerome Schmit and his wife, Evelyn; and a sister: Catherine Miller.Jim will be remembered as a man of generosity and genuine kindness to all the people he knew, and will be greatly missed.Howe Mortuary is caring for Jim?s family and cremation arrangements. A Celebration of Life with family and friends will take place on Sunday, April 23, 2006 from 2 to 5 p.m. at the home of Bob and Louise Watson, 8111 Anchor Drive, Longmont. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at www.howemortuary.comIn lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Jim Schmit Memorial Fund c/o Howe Mortuary, 439 Coffman St., Longmont, CO 80501.