James Francis Schmidt passed away peacefully on January 22, 2020 in Scottsdale, AZ. He was 97 years of age. Jim was born on April 22, 1922 in Hays, Kansas to Jacob A. and Elizabeth Schmidt. He graduated from St. Joseph Military Academy in Hays, and served in the U.S. Army from June, 1942 to 1945 where he was stationed in New Guinea during WWII. He rose to the rank of Captain and was awarded the Bronze Star. He served as C.O. in the Kansas Army National Guard in Council Grove, KS. He married Lillian Mae Keberlein on January 21, 1946 in Topeka, KS.
Jim had a highly successful career as manager of the D S & O Rural Electrification Association in Solomon, KS from 1954 to 1987 and represented the Kansas Electric Cooperatives in Washington, D.C. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and Lions Club in Solomon, KS.
He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his daughter, Kathleen Schmidt, of Sun City West, AZ, his son, Terry Schmidt and his wife, Mary, and three grandchildren, James, John and Margaret of Scottsdale, AZ.
James was preceded in death by his wife, Lillian Mae Schmidt.
Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 am, Friday, July 16, 2021 at St. Catherine’s Catholic Church in Catharine, KS. Burial will follow at St. Catherine’s Cemetery in Catharine with military honors courtesy of the Hays VFW Honor Guard.
A donation to the St. Catharine’s Cemetery in Catharine, KS is suggested in lieu of flowers: St. Catharine’s Cemetery, P.O. Box 18, Catharine, KS 67627-0018.
Services in care of Brock's-Keithley Funeral Chapel and Crematory 2509 Vine Hays, KS 67601.
Condolences may be left by guest book at www.keithleyfuneralchapels.com or by email at [email protected]