James Howard Schmidt
July 24, 1950 - February 23, 2014
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James Howard Schmidt
July 24, 1950 - February 23, 2014
Obituary
Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Jim passed away suddenly February 23rd due to an accident near his home. He was born in Pittsburgh, Pa on July 24, 1950. He will be greatly missed by his family. He is survived by his wife Susan and their two children, Ali and Matt, his sister Judy Schmidt, brother Fred Schmidt and nieces & nephews. Jim was a good father and wonderful husband. He was our rock and we all turned to him for almost anything and everything. He and Susan were married for 37 years. Jim and family moved to Bellingham 14 years ago from Edmonds, WA. The whole family enjoyed the slower pace of Bellingham and all the great friends they have made. After graduating from PLU in 1972, Jim entered the field of social work and became a counselor in juvenile institutions for the State of Washington. He enjoyed a second career as a real estate appraiser and developed recognized expertise in appraising large condominium projects. At the time of his death, Jim was working as a Senior Systems Analyst for Providence Health and Services. He loved his job. He was analytical, careful and precise by nature and so enjoyed the trouble shooting, problem solving aspects of his work. Jim loved sports and seemed to always know almost every statistic in every sport. We will dearly miss his calm spirit, patient demeanor, dry sense of humor and wide range of knowledge on so many subjects. The steady and unwavering support of all those he loved will be cherished dearly.
Farewell Tribute Information
Jim’s celebration of life, for family and friends, will be held 2:00 PM, Wednesday, March 5, 2014 at Moles Farewell Tributes, Bellingham, WA. Donations Information
Remembrances may be made to the Boys and Girls Clubs of Bellingham.
23 responses to James Howard Schmidt
Joy Decker (formally Novak) says:
February 23, 2014
I had the privilege of working/traveling with Jim for 5+ years. We started our working relationship at Providence Health & Services within a week of our hire dates. Jim and I sat next to each other (on the same team) for four years at the Broadway campus. When I think of him, it’s the random memories that bombard my mind and make me smile: – Teriyaki or sushi lunches. Except when we were in Spokane, then it was chili from Wendy’s – Crazy love for his wife – Discovering and sharing our individual experiences with the adoption process (these chats created a very precious place in my heart) – His inspiring love story about his wife when I asked him “how do you know when it’s true love?” – His promise to record his voice in an audio Hallmark book for me on my birthday; I loved his voice – Private giggles about our cube neighbors conference calls we couldn’t help overhear – Our 6hr car rides to/from Spokane… the pretzel sticks and mid to late 60’s classic rock music. He had a satellite station for each of his children…So, special thanks! Your father let me listen to yours so I didn’t go insane) – Glowing pride whenever his family mentioned …so many more… I will miss you buddy!
Debby Van Leeuwen says:
February 23, 2014
Darling Ali How many dads would take his daughter and best friend To an over niter concert in Canada when you two were in Highschool? Knew he was a dear when he did that and so Sad I didnt get to know him better. What a wonderful dad you had! Love you sweetie and so so sorry…
Veena Singh says:
February 23, 2014
Heartfelt sympathy and prayers of love to the family. So very sad to hear of the sudden loss of Jim. May God grace you all with comfort and love at this very difficult time of your loss. RIP Jim.
Kim Thayer says:
February 23, 2014
I worked with Jim on a couple of different occasions over the years, and I was always struck by what a kind and compassionate person he was. His calm demeanor made any situation less stressful. He was a good soul and will be greatly missed. It’s always
Tammy Hill says:
February 23, 2014
Prayers for you all!