James L Schmidt

James L. Schmidt, age 78, of Colon, Nebraska, died Saturday, May 9, 2026, in Omaha, Nebraska.

He was born July 4, 1947, in Atkinson, Nebraska, to Raymond and Ethel Schmidt. Jim grew up on the family farm and graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1965. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served aboard an aircraft carrier during the Vietnam War.

After his military service, Jim worked for New York Bell Telephone Company and later worked in investment banking in California. He earned an associate degree in business from Metro Tech Community College and also worked as an auto body repair technician.

Jim married Mary Johnson on May 12, 1984, at First Presbyterian Church in Wahoo. The couple made their home on an acreage near Colon, where James enjoyed the quiet of country life and time spent with family.

He especially enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s activities and cherished time spent fishing and swimming with his children. Jim was proud of his military service and remained active in veterans organizations throughout his life. James was active with Vietnam Veterans of America, Nebraska State Council, serving as its first State Commander. He was also a member of Wahoo VFW Post #4502, the DAV, a Vietnam veterans motorcycle club, First Presbyterian Church, and other veterans organizations.

James was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Ethel Schmidt.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Schmidt of Colon; son Justin Schmidt of Wahoo; daughters Katie and Josh Scholting of Colon, Andrea and Jeff Salisbury of Gretna, and Kiley and Kyle Covey of Omaha; stepchildren Jeremy Lamprecht of Lincoln, Angie and Mike Sabatka of Wahoo, and Clint and Audra Lamprecht of Ithaca; many grandchildren; one great-grandchild; brother John and Irene Schmidt of Chula Vista, California; sister Meagan and Bill Cotton of Lakeway, Texas; and other relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held Monday, May 18, 2026, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Pruss-Nabity Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church.

Memorials may be directed to the family for later designation to causes and organizations that were meaningful to Jim.