James “Jim” John Schmitz, 86, of Mount Hope passed away April 15, 2026, on the family farm where he was born.

He was born on Jan. 10, 1940, to Maynard and Loretta (Timmerman) Schmitz.

Jim graduated from Mt. Hope High School in 1957 and farmed until serving two years in the U.S. Army. Jim and Marlys (Nichols) Schmitz were married on Dec. 20, 1969, and enjoyed many years farming together.

He loved nature and a good card game. His love for farming was rooted in his deep appreciation for nature’s beauty. A devoted card player, he cherished the laughter and companionship that came with every game. He rarely turned down a good card game. Whether winning or losing, he played with a smile and a story to tell. Jim was a life member of the Gray-Wachter-Murphy Post 229, Mt. Hope and past member of the Mt. Hope Fire Department. He got great joy from cheering on his grandchildren Nia Scovel, and David, Matthew, Andrew, and Ava Nies, in their activities.

Surviving are his wife, Marlys and his children, Michelle (Kenny) Nies of Prairie du Chien and Ryan (Traci) Schmitz of San Mateo, CA. He is also survived by brothers: John (Daniele Flannery) Schmitz, Camp Hill, PA, Joe (Kay) Schmitz, Prairie du Chien, and Bob (Connie) Schmitz, Woodman; sister-in-law Myra (Maynard) Schmitz, Prairie du Chien; and many nieces and nephews; brother-in-law Maurice (Sandra) Nichols, Mt. Hope, and sister-in-law Janet Nichols, Mt. Hope; nieces and nephews; relatives and special friends.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, Maynard and Loretta; sisters and brother-in laws: Marcella (Leonard) Mulrooney, Marion (Roger) Swab, Jeanette (Mark) Sweeney, and Carol (Maurice) Parkins.

The wind through the fields and rustle of leaves will forever echo his presence in our hearts.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Thursday, April 23, at St. Lawrence O’Toole Catholic Church in Mount Hope, with burial to follow in Hermitage Cemetery.

A Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 22, at the Larson Family Funeral Home in Fennimore and again from 9 a.m. until the time of Mass on Thursday, at the church.

Everybody is invited to join the family for food and fellowship at Cottonwood Sports Bar & Supper Club in Fennimore following the burial. For online condolences, please visit: www.larsonfuneralhomes.com