Jonathon Wayne Schmick

Born 11/19/1947 in Spokane to Herbert and Grace Schmick, Jon was raised on a wheat farm by Kamiak Butte, the youngest of four children. He graduated from Colfax High School, Class of 1966, and continued his education at Whitworth College. In 1969, he married Shirley Giffin, a Colfax classmate. Jon and Shirley moved to the University of Dubuque Theological Seminary, where he received his Master's of Divinity, followed by San Francisco Theological Seminary for his Doctor of Ministries. Jon was ordained at Opportunity Presbyterian Church in Spokane in February 1977. He retired as Senior Pastor and was named Pastor Emeritus from Marine View Presbyterian Church in Northeast Tacoma in 2013. After a short stay in Utah, they retired to Spokane.

Jon's legacy was very important to him; he prayed to make a difference in the lives of those he met with his teaching and preaching. He cared about every member of the congregations he led. He wanted people to focus on God, see the good in others, be positive and love each other, and to pass that teaching on to those around them. He was always active in his church and the community he served. He was on the School Board in Prosser, the Ethics Committee for the City of Federal Way, the King County Board of Directors of Habitat for Humanity, and other non-profits. After retiring from full-time ministry, he worked 12 years for REI in what he called his dream job and was a part-time chaplain for Riverview Retirement Community in Spokane.

Jon loved outdoor activities; he climbed all the major peaks in Washington and Oregon. He rode his bike nearly every day, loved kayaking, skiing, backpacking, and gardening, but his family was the most important. He could build almost anything and was always busy with projects. Jon and Shirley traveled all over the world, but loved Hawaii the most and went there every chance they got.

Jon is survived by his wife Shirley, three children: Gary (Jennifer), Jonathon, and Marcus (Heather), grandchildren: Marie Schmiller (Terra), Madilyn Newman, Julia Schmick, Austin Schmick, Sway Schmick, and Addyson Schmick. He leaves two brothers: Larry (Pat) and David (Mary), a sister: Rosemary (Jim) Zook, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents and nephew, Roger Schmick.

A celebration of life will be held May 16th, 2026, at the Park Inn Bar and Grill, 103 W 9th Ave, Spokane, WA 99204, from 12:00-4:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for contributions to be made to the American Diabetes Association.