James "Jim" Schmidt

James “Jim” R. Schmidt, 61, of West Fargo, ND, died Monday, November 1, 2010 at his home. Jim was born February 27, 1949 in Fosston, MN to Joseph and Frances (Christianson) Schmidt. He grew up in Bagley, MN where he attended schools and graduated from high school. After high school, he attended tech school in Thief River Falls, MN for auto body. While there, he met Carol Thorstad and they were married on August 22, 1970 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church. He started working in the auto body industry in Thief River Falls and eventually the family moved to Dickinson, ND where Jim owned and operated his own body shop. Jim changed professions and became an insurance adjustor for Farmer’s Union when the family moved to the Fargo area. Jim loved going to the lake with his family and teaching his daughters how to water-ski. He took pride in his yard and garage. He will be loved and missed by many, especially his three grandsons, who called him “Papa”. Jim is survived by his wife, Carol; his three daughters, Melanie Schmidt, West Fargo, ND; Angie (Jason) Messner, Argusville, ND; and Julie (Glenn) Bietz, West Fargo, ND; two sisters, Karen (Dave) Call, Wheatland, WY; and Stacey (Tim) Evens, Cold Spring, MN; three grandsons, Ryan, Owen and Gavin; and his nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents. In lieu of flowers, memorials preferred to Alpha One Organization. Memorial Service: Wednesday, November 3, 2010 at 10:00 AM at Hanson Runsvold Funeral Home, Fargo, ND. Visitation: Tuesday, November 2, 2010 from 5 – 7 PM at Hanson Runsvold Funeral Home, ND.