James William Schmidt

James W. Schmidt, age 76, of Randall, MN, passed away on January 4, 2025, at Essentia St. Mary’s Medical Center in Duluth, MN. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. James Catholic Church in Randall, MN. Visitation will be on Friday, January 10, from 5:00 – 8:00 PM, with a prayer service done by the Knights of Columbus at 6:00pm, at the Brenny Family Funeral Chapel in Randall, and one hour prior to the service at St. James on Saturday.

James was born on September 13, 1948, to William and Elaine (Zurawski) Schmidt in Little Falls, MN. He grew up in Randall and graduated from Little Falls High School with the class of 1966. James then attended Bemidji State College, earning a degree in History. After college, he served in the United States Air Force for four years. Upon completing his military service, James worked as a civil servant at Camp Ripley, retiring after 20 years of dedicated service.

James had a passion for outdoor activities, especially hunting, fishing, and playing pool. He was also a loyal fan of the Minnesota Twins and Vikings.

James who will missed for his kindness and sense of humor by all who knew him.

He is survived by his children Jackie (Anthony Sr) Elliott of Little Falls, MN, John (Shiela) Schmidt of Everette, WA, and Robert (Karen) Schmidt of Boone, IA; 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild; 5 brothers Charles Schmidt of Effie MN, Joseph Schmidt of Motley ,MN, Gerald (Kim) Schmidt of Little Falls, MN, Dennis (Eileen) Schmidt of Big Lake, MN, and William (Lorraine) Schmidt of Cushing, MN; 6 sisters Catherine (Gerald) Goltz of Staples, MN, Janet (Larry) Hickle of Cedar, MN, Karen Schmidt of Monticello, MN, Nadine (Tom) Sears of Cohasset, MN, Carol Schmidt of Monticello, MN, and Laurie Schmidt of Becker, MN, and sister in law Pam Schmidt of Wahkon, MN. 

James is preceded in death by his parents William and Elaine Schmidt, and brother Justin Schmidt.

Arrangements have been entrusted with Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Randall.