James Leonard Schmidt Sr.

Jim received his bachelor’s degree from Southeast Missouri State on a track and field scholarship. He held many records, including the 100 meters and winning the high point in the MIAA track meet. He received his Master’s from Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville. In the summer of 1960, he married the love of his life, Carol; he was her rock, best friend and confidante. He began his teaching career in Herculaneum, Missouri, taught at Methodist Children's Home, Epworth Center in St. Louis and coached track and basketball for many years. He retired as a special education teacher with Central Junior High and District 118 in Belleville, Illinois. Additionally, spent many years working at Elk’s Westhaven Bath & Tennis. He was proud to have attended seminary at New Orleans Baptist seminary for a year after graduating from SEMO. Jim had a deep rooted faith and love for his Church, Westview Baptist in Swansea, Illinois; where he was a deacon, trustee, and Sunday school teacher. He was an avid golfer and enjoyed wood working and making crafts. He, lovingly, made cradles for every one of his grandchildren. Jim was a gentle, loving, family man, who will truly be missed by all who knew him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cletus P. and Elsie, nee Summers, Schmidt; a brother, Cletus Schmidt, Jr.; and a sister, Marilyn Schmidt.

Surviving are his loving wife of 55 years, Carol Schmidt, nee Lewis, of Belleville, Illinois; his devoted children, James L. “Jim” (Shelly) Schmidt, Jr., of Millstadt, Illinois, John L. Schmidt, of Belleville, Ill., Julie (Thomas) Wortmann, Sr., of Omaha, Neb., Jennifer (David) Hoyt, of Collinsville, Illinois, and Jodi (Matt) Huskey, of Freeburg, Ill.; his cherished grandchildren, Zach, Luke and Sarah Schmidt, Emily and Thomas Wortmann, Jr., Alexander, Bryan and Amanda Hoyt, Natalie, and Brandon Huskey; two brothers, Fred (Shirley) Schmidt and Harold Schmidt; his best friends, Dick Wahlig and Terry Dill; his golfing buddies, church family, and many friends.

Memorials are appreciated to the Westview Baptist Church General Fund or the Missionary Fund. Condolences may also be expressed online at www.lakeviewfuneralhm.com.

Visitation: Friends may call from 1:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, January 16, 2016 at Westview Baptist Church, Swansea, Illinois.

Funeral: A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m., Saturday, January 16, 2016 at the church with Pastor Greg Sutter officiating. Inurnment will be held privately in Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, Illinois.