James R. Schmitt II

James was born on May 6, 1941, in Litchfield, the son of James R. Schmitt, Sr. and Alverna M. Bader Schmitt. He married Betty J. Bryant on December 9, 1967, in Springfield; she preceded him in death on December 30, 2007.

James served his country in the United States Marine Corps. He enjoyed his CB radio, home remodeling, fishing, and spending time with his family and friends. James always had a project to work on.

He was also preceded in death by his son, Steven M. Nielson; two grandsons, Jeremy Dean and Richard Allen Bottoms II; his parents; one sister, Karen Schmitt; and several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

He is survived by his three daughters, Tammy Watters of Springfield, Brenda Bailey of Texas, and Teresa Colvin of FL; a bonus daughter, Janice Jones of Ashland; seven grandchildren, Steven (wife, Stephanie) Rutherford, Christopher Bailey, James Wessing, Ashley (husband, Charles Scooter) Barr, Misty (significant other, Patrick Kelly) Wessing, Jamie (husband, Archie) Kennedy, and Angel (husband, James) Alexander; ten great-grandchildren, Stephanie Jacobs, Dustin Jacobs, Richard Allen Bottoms III, Cheyanne Bottoms, Steven Rutherford II, Hailey Rutherford, Charles Barr II, Isaac Barr, Elizabeth Barr, and Jazmine Alexander; great-great-grandchildren, Amyr Gully and Kylie Baker; brothers-in-law, Clyde Bryant and Chuck Powell; and sisters-in-law, Judy Huff, Sheila Beath, and Connie Briskow.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 30, 2021, at Butler Funeral Home-Springfield, 900 S. Sixth St., Springfield. Illinois COVID-19 guidance will be followed, requiring face coverings.

Cremation will be provided by Butler Cremation Tribute Center following the visitation.

Graveside Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 1, 2021, at Camp Butler National Cemetery with Celebrant Judy Woerner officiating.