Barbola Funeral Chapel

James J. Schmidt

James Joseph Schmidt, age 67, of Berlin, died unexpectedly on Friday, October 26, 2018, at home.

He was born February 14, 1951, in Berlin, the son of Oliver and Clara Piepiorka Schmidt. Jim was a 1969 graduate of Berlin High School. In August 1976, he was united in marriage to Diane Sosinski. She preceded him in death on February 17, 1984. He was later united in marriage to Karen Barnard at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Berlin on February 21, 1987.

Jim worked for Brisky Heating and Sheet Metal, Berlin Foundry and spent over 32 years working for the Berlin Area School District, retiring as head of maintenance at the high school. He was an avid fisherman and dedicated member of the 4 p.m. coffee club. Jim was a laid back, all-around easy going person, who enjoyed the simple things in life, especially his grandchildren. He was a member of All Saints Catholic Parish.

He is survived by his wife, Karen; two daughters, Karen (Tim) Paugels and Laura (Ryan) Lowe; four grandchildren, Connor and Claire Paugels and Olivia and Miles Lowe; three brothers, Richard Schmidt, Dave (Cheryl) Schmidt and David “Butch” Schmidt; and Jean Sosinski. Jim is further survived by Karen’s father, Marty Barnard, her brothers and sisters; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Diane, and her parents, Robert “Bob” (Regina) Sosinski; his parents; and mother-in-law, Beatz Barnard.

A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday, November 2, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., at Barbola Funeral Chapel in Berlin. Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, November 2, at 12:00 p.m., at All Saints Catholic Parish in Berlin, Father David Greenfield officiating. Inurnment will be in St. Michael Catholic Cemetery. A memorial has been established. We love you and will miss you dearly Jameson, dad, papa and uncle Jimmy. Grant eternal rest unto him, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him.