James E. Schmitz, Jr.

Jim, age 79 passed away at Hospice of Hamilton on Sunday, May 31, 2009. He was born in Hamilton on October 20, 1929 to Leona (Brown) and Everett Schmitz. Jim graduated from Fairfield High School in 1947. He joined the US Navy on October 1950 during the Korean Conflict, being discharged in 1954. Jim married the love of his life, Mary Jane Kraft, on September 15, 1951. They would have celebrated 58 years of a wonderful life together this September.

He joined the Hamilton Police Department in 1955, retiring as a Sergeant in 1985. Jim then served as Park Ranger for the Fairfield Parks Department from 1985 to 1989. Furthermore, he worked for the Hamilton City Schools as a paraprofessional at the high school and Jefferson Elementary, and delivered flowers for Max Stacy Flowers. Jim was a member of the Lindenwald United Methodist Church.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; and sister, Dorothy Nothe. He is survived by his beloved wife, Mary Jane; children, Steven (Cynthia), Lee Ann, and Neil (Tiffani); grandchildren, Steve, Eric, Ryan, Sarah, Christopher, Andrew and Evan; great-granddaughter, Taleah; and a great-grandson expected in June. Those who knew Jim best will remember him as a strong, caring, honorable, Christian man.

Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 4, 2009 at the Lindenwald United Methodist Church, 3501 Pleasant Ave., Hamilton, OH 45015 with Pastor Valerie Waibel officiating. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m., Wednesday, June 3, 2009 at the Avance Funeral Home & Crematory, 4976 Winton Rd., Fairfield. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Lindenwald United Methodist Church or Hospice of Hamilton, 1010 Eaton Ave., Hamilton, OH 45013.

Condolences may be offered at www.avancefuneralhome.com

Visitation

5-8 p.m., Wednesday, June 3, 2009 @ Avance Funeral Home

Service

10:30 a.m., Thursday, June 4, 2009 @ Avance Funeral Home