James Schmick's Obituary
James B. (Jay, JB, Jay Bird) Schmick of Preston passed away on September 10, 2024. He was 69.
Born April 16, 1955 in Easton, he was the son of Glenn and Thelma (Sue) Schmick. After leaving high school early, Jay joined the U.S. Navy in August 1972 attached to the USS Seattle where he earned the National Defense Service Medal before being honorably discharged. Returning home, Jay worked for several local farms transporting their produce to market before he went on to begin his career with the MD State Highway Administration. Starting at entry level he worked his way to administration, ending his 49-year career as Resident Maintenance Engineer of the Denton Shop in Caroline County. Throughout his career Jay made many lifelong friends and took great pride in sharing his knowledge and mentoring those that came through his shops.
Jay loved the outdoors no matter what he was doing. He spent many hours hunting and fishing keeping journals of every trip. There wasn't a rut, moon or tide that he didn't know. His love of hunting and fishing wasn't something he kept to himself, he shared his knowledge and "special" hunting places with those who dared to trek the miles into the woods and marsh with him laughing all the way because they couldn't keep up with him. Those that knew his love of hunting and fishing knew that no matter his age or health he was always up for a day on the water or in the woods. Many of his "once in a lifetime" trips were spent enjoying the outdoors most recently a hunting trip to Argentina not to mention the countless fishing trips to Assateague and Hatteras that he enjoyed so much.
Jay never met a stranger and had a smile that would light up any room. He had a heart bigger than life and left a fingerprint on the hearts of many, some that he had known for a lifetime and some that he had just met.
In addition to his wife Lori, whom he married May 6, 1995 Jay is survived by his daughter Kellee (Jason) of Bozman and his son James (April) of Easton; three grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters Glenda (Brad), Kathy and Melissa (Brad), a very special father and mother-in-law, David and Susan Runnels, sister-in-law Nancy (Peggy), brothers-in-law Scott (Hope) and Donald along with many very special nieces and nephews that meant the world to him. Jay grew up in a small town where the lifelong friends he made were more like family and while his absence will be felt hopefully a smile will cross their heart with the next big fish or buck they come across.
A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 16, 2024 at 12:00 noon at the Framptom Funeral Home in Federalsburg. The Reverend Denzil Cheek will officiate. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 12:00. Burial will be private.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the Caroline Humane Society, 407 W Belle St, Ridgely, MD 21660.
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