WHITE STONE—James Christopher Schmidt, 82, of White Stone, passed away on March 17, 2024.
Jim is predeceased by his wife of 47 years, Charlotte; mother, Marie; and father, James.
He is survived by his brother, Robert (Laurel); children, Neal Boyle, Renee Brewer (Eugene) and Gina Clune (Shawn); four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Jim was born on June 20, 1941, to parents James Schmidt and Marie Arnold in Howard Beach, N.Y. After graduating from Uniondale High School in 1959, Jim graduated from RCA Institute in New York. He worked at Westinghouse Space & Defense Center in Baltimore, Md., and Arundel Institute of Technology as an instructor and admissions director for 25 years, before ending his working career in real estate.
Jim married Charlotte Boyle and moved from Annapolis to Westminster where she lived with her three children from a previous marriage in which she was widowed. Their wedding reception with a German band grew into an 18-year tradition of an annual German dance that hosted up to 400 attendees, with proceeds donated to a different charity each year. Jim and Charlotte even received an award from the German Embassy for promoting German culture.
Jim enjoyed snowmobiling, boating and camping with his family. In 1990 they purchased Starlight Express, a 35-foot sailboat, and when Jim and Charlotte retired they sold their home to live aboard and cruise the Intercoastal Waterway to Florida, fulfilling Jim’s lifelong dream. For seven years they sailed the waters of Florida and the Bahamas in the winter and toured the U.S. in an RV during the summers. In 2003, they moved into their home in White Stone where they lived for more than 20 years.
Jim was a member of the Lancaster County Lions Club, with 40 years of service beginning in Westminster with the Valley Lions Club; a member of Rappahannock River Yacht Club; the YMCA; and Wicomico Parish Church. He was always looking for something to do and believed in having a good time.
A celebration of life will be held for Jim at a date to be announced later. Memorial contributions can be made to Lancaster County Lions Club or ADDUS Hospice.
