James L. Schmitt

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

He was born on 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 and 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 World War II 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 Illinois. 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 in 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 6 p.m. Thursday, March 21, 2024, at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington, IL, with a eulogy and remembrances to follow. Funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. 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 11 a.m. at church on Friday. Cremation will be accorded with a graveside service at Glendale Cemetery in Washington, IL, at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 23, 2024.

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

James’ memorial website is available at www.deitersfuneralhome.com, where condolences may also be sent to the family.