Obituary of James A. Schmidt

James (Jim) A. Schmidt, 68, passed away on Tuesday, February 13, 2018 surrounded by his loved ones at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinis.  Cremation Rites have been facilitated by the FCS Life Transition and Cremation Center.  A Celebration of Life will be held on February 24^th from 2-4 pm at Wesley Family Life Center 114 W 4^th St Muscatine and on March 10^th from 1-3 pm at The Lotus Moments Event Center, 2134 E. Grand Avenue, Des Moines, IA. All who would like to attend are welcome. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to James’ family to help with medical expenses.  Online condolences may be left for the family at www.lewisfuneralhomes.com.  The Geo. M. Wittich-Lewis Home for Funeral and Cremation Services is caring for Jim's family and the arrangements.

James Albert Schmidt was born on November 23, 1949 in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Harold A. and Lucille M. (Rohr) Schmidt.  Jim was united in marriage to Glenna Jackson on May 18, 1974 in Ottumwa, IA, they later divorced.  On October 20, 1990, he was united in marriage to Michelle Renee Reed in Linn County.  Jim worked in commercial and residential construction before becoming a self taught historical preservation artisan. Jim mentored countless men over the course of his life both professionally and personally. He was involved with Boy Scouts his entire life, earning the rank of Eagle Scout and leading many Boy Scout troops.  Jim was also a volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters, a member of Friends of Muscatine Historical Preservation,  Stephen Ministiries, Habitat for Humanity, and helped rebuild local playgrounds.  He found joy in spending time with his family, friends and his dog Gabby; and was always willing to lend a helping hand. He was a true outdoorsman who enjoyed fishing, ice fishing and camping.   He and Mickey founded the Greater Iowa Safari Co camping and canoe club. Alongside his work as a historical preservationist, James also volunteered his talents to the Lakota Sioux Indian Tribe in South Dakota. As a final gift to honor and celebrate his life, Jim donated his eyes to the Iowa Lions Eye Bank so that might see and share in the beauty of life and the beautiful outdoors

Jim will be missed by his wife, Mickey (Michelle) of Muscatine; dog Gabby;daughter, Megan Schmidt of Urbandale; sons, Isaak Schmidt of West Des Moines and Caleb Smith of Indianola; grandchildren, Aarisin Hiszczynskyj, Caliber and Sylis Smith of Indianola; mother, Lucille Schmidt of Urbandale; siblings, William (Laurie) Schmidt of Earlham, Margaret Schmidt of Cottonwood, Arizona, Dan (Nancy) Schmidt of Des Moines, and  Marcella (Randy) Karsten of Kingston, Michigan; many family members and dear friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his father; and niece, Gail Schmidt.