Obituary of James W Schmitz

James W. Schmitz, 79, a lifelong West Duluth resident, passed away Friday, June 19, 2015, in St. Eligius Health Center. James was born in Duluth Sept. 14, 1935, to Clarence and Margaret (Dunleavy) Schmitz. He attended and graduated from St. James parochial school and Denfeld High School. After school he enlisted in the Air National Guard. He was married in 1956 and had three children. James worked for many years at Interlake Iron and Greyhound. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Richard James Marshall. James is survived by his children, Debra Reilly of Duluth, Mary (Mark) Peterson of Bemidji and Michael (LuAnn) Schmitz of Duluth; grandchildren Rhonda and Lori Reilly of Duluth, Marcus Childs of Duluth, Amy (Mike) Johnson of Proctor, Angie (Matthew) Mercier of Proctor and Rachel Klassen of Duluth; sister Georgeanne (Scott) Blackwood of Illinois; and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A special thank you to the staff at St. Eligius and St. Mary's hospice services for the wonderful care they provided. A GATHERING OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS: 9 until the 10 a.m. memorial service Thursday, June 25, in Cremation Society of Minnesota, 4100 Grand Ave., Duluth. Services entrusted to Cremation Society of Minnesota, (218) 624-5200.