James E. Schmidtkunz

James E. Schmidtkunz

April 22, 1949 - February 12, 2015

James E. Schmidtkunz

April 22, 1949 - February 12, 2015

Obituary

Schmidtkunz, James Edward

Jim passed peacefully into eternal life on Feb. 12, 2015 following a long illness. Jim was born April 22, 1949, in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Donald and Florence Schmidtkunz. He is survived by his wife, Margaret Habeck, who lovingly cared for him in his last months; sons Christopher and Michael; daughter Jeanne (Thomas) and grand-daughter Ella; brothers Thomas (Virginia) and William (Charlene); and sisters, Barbara and Kathryn. Uncle to Hattie Marie.

A graduate of Pius XI High School in Milwaukee and Marquette University Navy ROTC program, Jim served his country during the Vietnam War as Lieutenant JG in the U.S. Navy. After his discharge from the Navy, he worked for 40 years in the industrial chemical industry. His strong work ethic and his friendly & dedicated personality made him a valuable manager & mentor.

Jim was extremely committed to his parish community, especially the RCIA program and Catholic Men’s Fellowship. His were the unseen hands always helping behind the scenes. Jim had a great optimism for life and a brightness of spirit that even his illness could not suppress. He loved his family and was a loyal Chicago Bears fan.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, Feb. 22, 7 – 9 pm, at O’Connor Mortuary, 25301 Alicia Pkwy in Laguna Hills. The Funeral Mass will be on Monday, Feb. 23, at 11:00 am, at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 5101 Alton Pkwy in Irvine. Reception will follow in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. John Neumann Charities Outreach.

Special thanks to Vitas Hospice for their compassionate care.

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8 responses to James E. Schmidtkunz

  1. I knew Jim a through work. He possessed a quite strength and was the calm in the storm. I will miss his humor and quiet mentoring.

  2. I went to Mother Of good Counsel grade school with Jim. He Played in the 6th 7th And 8 grade Basketball team. He was tall , Smart And one Heck Of A Nice Guy. I so sorry to read of his passing.Funny that 57 years later, I was thinking about him tonight!!! A Great Person. Rest In Peace James My Friend. Robert J Cavallo.

  3. Peter Civardi says:

    I met Jim as he was leaving the Navy and was responsible for bringing him to Procter & Gamble to begin a civilian career in marketing. Jim was a special person, even when compared with other outstanding junior military officers leaving the services after the Vietnam War. P&G spotted this immediately. Jim inspired confidence with his genuine Midwestern good manners, directness, and integrity. His personal and business style was reminiscent of the most effective leaders of earlier times. Jim left when P&G spun off P&G Canada, a very large company in itself. He eventually rose to become CEO. Unfortunately, serious illness impacted him there. Jim recovered after some intense and debilitating treatment, however he later returned to SOCAL where he took a less demanding executive position in the same industry. This was a very special person who had wonderful people skills. A true Christian who was a model of what a good Christian should be. The world was a better place for the time he spent with us. He will be missed by many.

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