James Gideon Schmitz

James G. Schmitz, age 91 of Monroe, passed away Sunday, December 13th in his home. Born October 25, 1929 in Erie, MI, Jim was the son of Harold J. and Martha G. (Mominee) Schmitz. Jim married the love of his life Joan T. Dussia, January 7, 1950 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The ceremony was officiated by Joan’s brother Fr. Emil Dussia. This year they celebrated 70 years of marriage, but sadly, Joan died shortly after on March 18. In 1945 Jim and Joan met at a St. John’s Youth Activities dance. Their first dance and lifelong favorite song was “Oh! What It Seemed to Be.” Jim was a 1947 graduate of Monroe High School. He served a year in the US Air Force as a Designated Basic Airman and followed in the Air Force Reserves. A few weeks ago he was pinned by ProMedica Hospice in recognition of his service. He worked for Hurd Sterling in Monroe until the founding of H.J. Schmitz and Sons. It was at first a hardware and building supply business and then changed focus to brick and block supply. He finished his career in building supply sales with Best Block. They retired to Sebastian, Florida where they lived until health concerns with Joan prompted a move back to Monroe in 2011. Jim was active in many local and Sebastian, Florida groups: Knights of Columbus Fourth Degree, Sertoma Club and a presidency, Monroe County Rod and Gun Club and a presidency, the Home Builders Association of Monroe County and as an usher at St. Mary Catholic Church. He was most proud, however, of his 19 years of work serving the area needy as a Vincentian with St. Vincent dePaul in Wabasso, Florida. Jim enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, golfing, going to auctions, talking about politics and was an avid bridge player until recently. Gardening was his go-to place when grieving. He believed in keeping busy and exercising, but he also had a deep spiritual belief. He’s most remembered for his upbeat personality and sense of humor. Those attributes helped him to get through loss and late life physical challenges. Jim and Joan raised 5 children and enjoyed a bounty of 7 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren. Jim leaves to cherish his memory: children: Marilyn Prucka of Monroe, Nancy (Dennis) Nemec of Ida and Eric Jon (Robbyn) Schmitz of Amanda, Ohio; grandchildren: Michael (Leah) Prucka, William (Sandra) Prucka, Robert (Tammy) Prucka, Nichole Nemec (fiance’ Trevor Loveland), Danielle (David) Wilton, Michelle (Corey) Kanitz and Megan Schmitz; great grandchildren: Adam Prucka, Evelyn and Maxwell Prucka, Marlowe, Olive and Robert Prucka, Jacob and Nolan Kanitz. 2 sisters-in-law: Nora Schmitz and Norma Schmitz and several nieces and nephews. Sadly, he was preceded in death by Joan, his wife of 70 years; two sons: Gary M. and Kevin J. Schmitz; parents and 2 siblings: Paul and Delbert Schmitz, and his son-in-law Robert W. Prucka. And tragically on Monday, December 14 his youngest brother, Ronald Schmitz, died. Jim wished that any tributes be made to the St. Vincent dePaul Society. The family wishes to thank the beautiful, loving souls who graced Jim’s home and health through LaPrad Home Care, ProMedica Hospice, Dr. A Shah, Dr. M. Tejura, Dr. C. Trivedi, Fr. David Burgard and Lorie Bronson. And a special heartfelt thanks to all Jim’s fabulous friends and neighbors who wrapped their arms around this fabulous man and his daughters. God Bless him as he’s now found eternal life and peace with his loving bride.