James "Jim" Schmidt, age 67 of Ames, died May 27, at Israel Family Hospice House, in Ames. A gathering of friends and family will be held 4-6:00 p.m. with a vigil service at 6:00 p.m. followed by a rosary, Thursday, May 31, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 2900 Hoover, Ames, Iowa. A Mass of Christian Burial, at 10:30 a.m. Friday, June 1, at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 2900 Hoover Ave. Ames, Iowa. Burial will take place at Ames Municipal Cemetery.
James "Jim" Alvin Schmidt, born July 10, 1950 to Alvin "Pete" and Glenna (Schumacher) Schmidt of Mayer, MN, died peacefully on May 27 after a courageous year-long battle with cancer. In his youth Jim enjoyed being outdoors, meeting up with friends at the Hoese house, and playing sports. He faithfully supported all of Minnesota's sports teams particularly the Twins, Vikings, and Wild. Jim went on to graduate from Mayer Lutheran High School and attended Mankato State University. Jim later moved to Marshall, MN where he met and fell in love with Maureen Kasperbauer. The happy couple married in Maureen's hometown of Carroll, IA on May 23, 1981. Soon afterward Jim and Maureen relocated to Ames, IA where they raised their three children- Lynse, Chelsey, and Brad. After moving to Ames, Jim adopted the Iowa State Cyclones as "his team" and cheered for them through both winning and losing seasons.
In 1990, Jim converted to Catholicism and joined St. Cecilia Catholic Church which remained a source of strength throughout life's trials. With a knack for numbers and a quick wit, Jim led a successful career at George White Chevrolet for 29 years. A gifted listener and storyteller, Jim naturally entertained friends and family during country concerts, backyard BBQs, and holiday gatherings. Jim's love of family made him a natural grandparent, and "Papa" could not spend enough time watching his grandchildren play. With a cuddle, joke, or as leader of the "hotdog dance" Papa knew just how to bring a smile to the faces of Ava, Jensen, Bryant, Peter, and Josslyn.
Jim is survived by his wife, Maureen, daughter Lynse (Mike) Allen and granddaughter Josslyn, daughter Chelsey (Dustin) Mack and grandsons Jensen and Bryant, and son Brad (Vanessa) Schmidt and grandchildren Ava and Peter, as well as his, mother, Glenna Schmidt, and sister, Sharon (Dave) McPadden. Additionally, Jim is survived by brothers and sisters-in-law Terry (Lois) Kasperbauer, Cherie (Joe) Horsfall, Lori (Lee) Wuebker, Pat Stevens, Cathy (Phil) Koster, Tom (Paula) Kasperbauer, Tim (Lori) Kasperbauer, Todd (Nancy) Kasperbauer, Troy (Stacey) Kasperbauer, and 34 nieces and nephews.
Jim has been preceded in death by his father, Alvin "Pete", sister, Eunice, father and mother-in-law, Andrew and Jean Kasperbauer, as well as brothers-in-law Kevin Pudenz and Dan Stevens.
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com