Obituary: James "Jim" Schmitz - Class of 1965

MONONA/ MADISON - James "Jim" Schmitz, age 61, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Wednesday, May 7, 2008. He was born on Oct. 10, 1946, in Madison, the son of Hubert and Gertrude (Hauser) Schmitz. Jim attended St. Patrick's Elementary School and graduated from Central High School. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years and was abroad the USS Randolph. On Oct. 30, 1982, Jim married Mary A. Munson at St. Patrick's Church in Madison. Jim had several hobbies including playing cards and dice, dancing, hunting, fishing and having a good time with friends and family. He especially loved his nieces and nephews and enjoyed being with them. Jim is survived by his sisters, Carol Connery of Blue Mounds, Sister Mary Schmitz of Madison, Jean Norman of Peoria, Ariz. and Betty (Marvin) Meyers of McFarland; sister-in-law, Alice Schmitz of Waunakee; 14 nieces and nephews; many great-nieces and nephews; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Mary; brother, Robert; and brother-in-laws, Maurice Connery and Thomas Norman. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, May 12, 2008, 11 a.m., at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 413 Dempsey Road, Madison. Father Roger Nilles will officiate the mass. A visitation will be on Sunday, May 11, 2008, from 3 p.m. until 6 p.m., at RYAN FUNERAL HOME, 2418 N. Sherman Ave., Madison. Burial will follow at Highland Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Dennis Catholic Church or to a charity of your choice. Ryan Funeral Home and Cremation Services 2418 N. Sherman Ave. (608) 249-8257.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on May 11, 2008