James Robert “Jim” Schmidt, 80, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away peacefully and surrounded by love on July 29, 2026. He was the best husband, father, brother, and friend we all could have hoped for.

Jim was born and raised in Louisville to the late Clarence and Ruth Schmidt and graduated from Fern Creek High School in 1964. He earned both his Bachelor of Electrical Engineering and Master of Engineering from the University of Louisville, and was a Professional Engineer in the state of Kentucky. For more than 40 years, he served as a civilian employee of the United States Navy in the Naval Ordnance division, working to constantly improve ship combat systems and technology.

Jim was a member of First Baptist Church of Mount Washington, Kentucky, where he served in various leadership roles. He was a man of deep faith, who lived out that faith through serving others—always lending a hand, quickly and unreservedly, particularly to those in need after natural disasters and at the local food bank.

Jim loved sailing, and was a model train engineer and amateur radio enthusiast. Alongside his beloved Lynn, he loved to travel, often internationally, helped Lynn with her remarkable rose garden, and tackled home projects—he could fix anything! Jim was well known in the Ham radio community by his call sign, WA4VOC, heard over the airwaves again and again—a sound distinctively his, and one that still rings in our hearts.

Jim is survived by his beloved wife of almost 58 years, Carol Lynn “Lynn” Schmidt; his son, Christopher Jeremy Schmidt of Louisville; his daughter, Andrea Lynn Glaze (Daniel), of Richmond, Virginia. Perhaps his most cherished role was that of proud grandfather (affectionately known as “Pá”) to Ella Glaze and Ashley Glaze.

He is also survived by his siblings: Larry Schmidt (Debbie), Ruth Ann Butler, Jane Schmidt (Joe Carrier), Bill Schmidt (Marlene), and Onna Bruce (Billy); and cherished chosen family: Mary Ann and Rob Dalton of Louisville, Kentucky, and Jane and Mike Sherrill of Greenwood, Indiana. He is further survived by several nieces, nephews, and extended family who will cherish his memory.

A service of remembrance will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2026 at 11:00 AM, with a visitation preceding at 10:00 AM at Fern Creek Funeral Home, 5406 Bardstown Rd., Louisville, KY 40291. The Rev. Dr. Daniel E. Glaze, son-in-law, will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to First Baptist Church of Mount Washington, 320 N Bardstown Rd., Mt Washington, KY 40047, https://www.fbcmw.org/give; Kentucky Baptist Disaster Relief, https://www.kybaptist.org/givenow (select “Disaster Relief”); or Mark 12 Ministries (homelessness, recovery, veterans’ issues), 1975 S. Preston Highway, Shepherdsville, KY 40165.