Jason Michael Schmidt

Jason Michael Schmidt, 41, of Columbia, South Carolina, died February 27, 2026, in Gainesville, Florida, after a biking accident during an adventure race. Born September 20, 1984, in New Jersey, Jason was the adoring husband of Liz and the proud, playful father to Eleanor, Harry, and Sam.

Jason’s life was one of constant motion and a deep drive to create a better, more exciting world for himself and those he loved. He was fiercely competitive and naturally stepped into leadership roles in every endeavor. In high school, Jason ran cross country and was voted team captain his senior year. Running remained a lifelong passion, leading him to complete five marathons and to chase the next trail with the same smile he wore at every starting line.

He played ultimate frisbee in high school and college and served as captain of the ultimate team at Michigan State University for two years. Even after graduation, he remained a constant presence at tournaments across the country. In recent years, he discovered a love for adventure racing, competing in five races over the last two years. But beyond organized competition, Jason never missed an opportunity to turn an ordinary weekend into an adventure.

A collector of puzzles, playlists, and punchlines, Jason could play a game with the kids, plan an elaborate family trip, speed-solve the New York Times crossword, and spin a grand comedic tale over coffee (of which he would readily admit he drank quite a lot). He was the one who sent the group text, made the spontaneous plans, and coaxed everyone into the next great memory; reminding those around him that our time together is precious and never meant to be wasted on the couch.

Jason was a Spartan to his core. At Michigan State University, he earned both his undergraduate and law degrees and inspired his four younger siblings to follow him to East Lansing for their own college experiences, strengthening a lifelong bond. Professionally, as Senior Legal Counsel for Kyndryl, Jason brought steady intellect, dry humor, and deep loyalty to colleagues and clients alike.

Jason lived curiously and loudly - active, always learning, developing new skills, loving music and comedy, and traveling with an insatiable appetite for the unexpected. In his life, he traveled to at least 30 countries - not nearly enough if you asked him!

He is survived by his wife, Liz; his children Eleanor, Harry, and Sam; his parents Debbie and Joe Schmidt; his parents-in-law David and Irene Eder; his siblings, Jenni Schmidt, Dan (Betsy) Schmidt, Matt (Marissa) Schmidt, and Aaron (Khaleigha) Schmidt; his nephews Hank and Fred; his cousin Charlie; and his aunts and uncles Robert (Henrique) Schmidt, Roseann (Chris) Kiesnowski, David Schmidt, Dave Terrill, and Kathy (Charles) Bigford.

All those fortunate to have known him will remember Jason as an adventurous, mischievous, endlessly curious, and fiercely devoted husband, father, brother, son, uncle, cousin, nephew, and friend.

A viewing will take place at Dunbar Funeral Home, 3926 Devine St, Columbia, SC 29205 on Friday, March 6 from 4:00 to 7:00 PM. A celebration of Jason’s life will be held at Downtown Church, 2030 Gregg St, Columbia, SC 29201, on Saturday, March 7 at 2:00 p.m., with a reception to follow (childcare available from 2:00 to 3:00 PM). All who knew him are invited to share a story, a laugh, and a plan for the next adventure in his honor.

Please consider wearing colors to the service. Jason would have wanted joy!

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to his family fund at https://gofund.me/6b64f83b9