Obituary was published and funeral arrangements were entrusted to the care and direction of the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home and Crematory.
James Edward Schmitz
Age 90, of Joliet, Illinois, passed away Wednesday September 10, 2025 at Lightways Hospice Home of Joliet.
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Jim, a lifelong resident of Joliet, was born April 18, 1935 to the late Mabel (nee Ruffing) and Oscar Schmitz. He was proud to be a member of the first graduating class (1949) at the Cathedral of St. Raymond and graduated from Joliet Catholic High School.
A United States Army Veteran, Jim served his Country proudly. He was a retired union plumber after serving this area for many years with Schmitz Brothers Plumbing.
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On January 7, 1961, he married Josephine Gelsomino at the Church of St. Anthony.
In addition to his beloved wife of over 64 years, he is also survived by his sons and daughter; David (Debra) Schmitz, Dennis (Tammy) Schmitz, Jeffrey (Rosemary) Schmitz, Lisa (Kurt) Floody, and Christopher (Courtney) Schmitz; grandchildren, Jessica (Dan) Engler, Justin Schmitz, Alec (Carla) Schmitz, Arianne Floody, Madison Schmitz, Erin Floody and Kenneth Floody; two great-grandchildren, Jacques Mason and Preston Schmitz. Also surviving are his sister, Karen (Richard) Bazzarone and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his loving parents and six siblings.
Jim was a member of American Legion Post #1080, Knights of Columbus council #382, the Loyal Order of Moose, and a lifetime member of the Benevolent and Protective order of the Elks.
A dedicated family man, Jim enjoyed spending time with his family and truly loved spending winters with his bride in Cape Coral, Florida among a number of good friends, including James Wright and Inger McGhee.
A memorial visitation for Jim will be Thursday September 18, 2025 from 4-7 p.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home 3200 Black Rd (at Essington Rd) Joliet. Funeral services will begin Friday September 19, 2025 at 9:15 am from the funeral home to the Cathedral of St. Raymond Nonatus, 604 N. Raynor Avenue, Joliet where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Internment with full Military Honors will follow at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Jim's name to Lightways Hospice.
For more information please call (815) 741-5500 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
