James Schmalz

Although he accomplished so many things of which to be proud of, James R. Schmalz was a humble man whose greatest treasure was found in the love he shared with those around him. It was easy to see that Jim adored his family, and it was when he was surrounded by his loved ones that he felt richly blessed. He was a true patriot who knew what it meant to work hard, yet he also made sure that he took time to enjoy life to the fullest each day. The great outdoors was his playground, and he loved nothing more than to share this passion with his family and friends. His presence in the world will be greatly missed, but the memories he created with his loved ones will always be remembered.

James R. Schmalz was born to his parents, Harold and Dorothy (Forbush) Schmalz, on April 28, 1949, in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The second oldest of five boys, Jim and his brothers enjoyed a typical childhood of the time, running around together with their cousins and participating in Boy Scouts. Jim especially loved to be outdoors, camping under the stars and admiring the carefree ease of nature and wildlife, a pastime he enjoyed all of his life. For education, Jim attended the Wyoming area schools and went on to graduate from Wyoming Park High in 1967. He then attended community college for a couple of years before receiving his draft notice from the U.S. Army to serve during the Vietnam War. His tour of duty was for 2 years – 1 of which was in Vietnam, and although Jim was proud of his service, it was a very dark and difficult time in his life.

Before Jim left for the service, he went on a blind date with a young lady named Leslie Wells, who was a few years younger than him. They enjoyed a night at the movies, watching "To Sir, with Love" and with that their own love story had begun. Even while Jim was away in the service, their love blossomed and grew through countless letters until his return. They were happily married on May 28, 1971, and spent a romantic honeymoon in Canada. The newlyweds then settled into married life together in an apartment for a short time before putting down roots in their home in Alger Heights, where they remained for the rest of their lives. There was a park that abutted their backyard which had lots of woods and hiking trails, which was like home for Jim. Of course with woods also comes wildlife and Jim had his eye out for whatever crossed his path; the raccoons just loved his house because he kept putting food out for them. Life could get no better when Jim was among nature. After he and Leslie were blessed with two sons of their own, Evan and Trever, Jim enjoyed sharing his passion for the outdoors with them. So, every year in the first week of August for the next 26 years, the family packed up their camper and gear and headed to Mackinaw City to the TeePee Campground. They would spend every day doing something outdoors, from rock hunting, biking, walking around Mackinaw Island to relaxing and reading by Lake Huron.

Jim loved being a father and would do anything for his boys. He took an interest in whatever they were doing, but made sure to give them room to make their own decisions. They had a standing dinner night every Wednesday, which Jim enjoyed with his boys – he even let them choose where they would go. It was in the quiet moments together when they played games or Jim read to Evan and Trever that meant the world to him. Being a big kid at heart, Jim liked when all the new “techie” stuff came out and he could learn how to use them right along with the boys. He liked being the cool dad who kept up on all the new technology; he liked comic books too.

As was apparent from his carefree demeanor, Jim enjoyed the simple things in life. He rarely wore shoes, and socks were meant to be used as hand puppets not put on feet. He was a big 1960s rock and roll music fan, and read everything from comic books to Clive Cussler. He spent endless hours on his computer selling treasures on Ebay. Among his prized possessions was his collection of Smokey Bear memorabilia, which he found while antique shopping with Leslie. Their home was filled with all the great antiques they found together, and loved. In his leisure time, Jim enjoyed working around the house, and even did some remodeling in the day. He also kept his yard as a natural habitat and built 2 ponds. His favorite pastime was woodworking, making canes and walking sticks to give to people who needed them. Jim was the kind of man who made friends wherever he went. With a big heart, great sense of humor and an infectious personality, meeting new people just came easy to him. Yet, he had a group of friends he enjoyed spending time with for much of his life, and they met for breakfast on a regular basis. He bowled in leagues with some of them too. Jim worked for a graphic arts company for over 30 years, which started out as Modern Litho, but changed names many times over the years as industry changed. Jim enjoyed his job, but it was the people he worked with, the friends he made over the years that made it great. He was selfless in the way he cared about others.

About 18 years ago, Jim’s life took an uneasy turn when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. He started having problems with his eyesight as well, and eventually had to retire. As the disease progressed, Jim’s activities became limited, which was extremely hard for him to accept. He enjoyed time with his grandchildren who he adored. It was truly sad that they would never get the chance to know this carefree, lighthearted, gentle man who loved life, nature and above all, his family. About 2 months ago, Jim fell and was hospitalized for a time before going to the rehabilitation unit to recover. Sadly, he passed away on Monday, June 9, 2014, at the age of 65.

A stranger to none and a friend to all, he will be deeply missed and remembered always.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Dorothy Schmalz. Jim is survived by his wife, Leslie; their children Evan (Missy), and Trever Schmalz; grandchildren Grayson, Finn, Mayer and Ari; brothers Ron, Garry, Larry and Dave (Debbie) Schmalz; father-in-law Jack Wells, and brother-in-law Jeff (Aleta) Wells as well as many cousins. In keeping with Jim's easygoing and casual lifestyle, friends are invited to spend time with his family to remember and celebrate his life on Friday, June 13, 2014 beginning at 4 PM in the Pavilion at MacKay Jaycee Park, 2601 Kalamazoo Ave SE. Casual dress is encouraged and shoes are optional. In his memory, please consider a donation to Parkinson's Research at Van Andel Pavilion. To read more about his life or to share a memory or photo, please visit www.lifestorynet.com