James L. Schmitt, 101, of Peoria, IL, formerly of Washington, Metamora, and Quincy, IL, passed away peacefully with his family by his side Thursday, March 14, 2024 at his winter home in Lakeland, FL.

He was born August 28, 1922 in Quincy to the late Lawrence A. and Florence Menke Schmitt. He married Jean Kircher on August 6, 1945 in Quincy. She preceded him in death on June 21, 1967. He later married Veronica Mailloux Theine on April 29, 1972 in Washington. She survives.

Also surviving are three sons, John, James (and Barbara), and Jeffrey (and Elizabeth); one daughter, Judith Schmeling; three Theine step children, Bruce, Jeanmarie, Douglas (and Sukyi); step daughter-in-law, Michelle; 11 grandchildren; 2 step grandchildren; 18 great- grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by one son, Joseph; and step sons, James and Charles.

James was a United States Army WWII Veteran serving as a Meteorologist. He continued serving in the Air Force Reserve, retiring as a Lt. Colonel. He attended Quincy University and received a bachelor's of science degree in Engineering from Marquette University in 1947 and was a registered engineer in IL. He worked in engineering for Peerless Pump Div. FMC in Indianapolis from 1947 until 1954, and for Caterpillar Inc in East Peoria, IL until retirement in 1985. He was a member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and served as chairman of the Central IL Section. As a member of the Society of Automotive Engineers he served as chairman of the Hydraulics Subcommittee. He was a life member of Pi Tau Sigma and Tau Beta Pi.

He lived in Washington, IL from 1954 until 1977. As a member of St. Patrick's Church he served as Cubmaster, Scoutmaster and Institutional Representative. He lived at Lake Santa Fe, Metamora until 2001 and served on committees as Vice President and President. He was also the chairman of the Emergency Preparedness Committee for Woodbrook Mobile Home Community in Lakeland, FL and a member of the Peoria Color Camera Club.

He was a member of St. Thomas Catholic Church in Peoria, IL and Resurrection Catholic Church in Lakeland, FL.

Visitation will be from 4 to 6pm Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington, IL, with remembrances to follow. Funeral Mass will be at 11am Friday, March 22, 2024 at St. Thomas Catholic Church in Peoria, IL, with military honors rendered. Additional visitation will be one hour prior to Mass from 10 to 11am at church on Friday. Cremation will be accorded with a graveside service at Glendale Cemetery in Washington, IL at 10am Saturday, March 23, 2024.

Memorial donations may be made to the Catholic Relief Society or the American Cancer Society.