James William Schmidt
Monday, August 1st, 1927 - Monday, May 22nd, 2023
James William Schmidt, a life-long resident of Ayr, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, May 22, 2023, at Freeport Hospital. He was in his 96th year. Born at home in Ayr, August 1, 1927 the youngest son of John A. and Jessie Schmidt (nee Rathé). Survived by his eight children, Paul and his wife Nancy of Ayr, Kathleen Janzen and her husband Bill of Waterloo, Elaine and her husband Rick Yellen of Corpus Christi, Texas, Irene and her husband Geoff Adeney, George and his wife Janet, Ann and her husband Steve Brunton, Michael and his wife Merry, Heidi and her husband Derrick Ostner, all of Ayr; his grandchildren Robert, Thom, Sarah, Nicole, Kymn, Bekki, Sharleen, Jacquelyn, Elisabeth, Hillary, Patrick, Matthew, Jessica, Ian, Alex, Andrea, and Calvin; 21 great-grandchildren; also survived by his sister-in-law Margaret Schmidt of Standard, Alberta and several nieces and nephews. Predeceased by his wife of 53 years, Lavina (2004); his grandson Konrad Ostner and his great-grandchildren Lee-anne and James Schmidt; his brothers John T. and Robert Schmidt.
Mr. Schmidt was a volunteer firefighter for the Township of North Dumfries for 50 years, serving as its Fire Chief for eighteen years. A prominent businessman and community leader; his contributions to the community will have a lasting legacy.
Friends may call at the Ayr Chapel, Wm. Kipp Funeral Home, Ayr Chapel, 183 Northumberland St. Ayr on Thursday May 25, 2023, from 7:00 - 9:00 PM.
A private family service will take place at the funeral home chapel, Interment Ayr Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Ayr Paris Band, Ayr Minor Softball or Ayr Minor Hockey would be appreciated. Online condolences and donations may be arranged through www.wmkippfuneralhome.com or by contacting WM. Kipp (519) 632-8228.
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