James Schmeichel

James T. Schmeichel, 59, Jamestown, ND died January 6, 2023 at Sanford Health in Fargo, ND.

Jim was born October 30, 1963 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Yankton, SD the son of Milton and Mavis (Waterman) Schmeichel. He attended elementary school and Jamestown High school; following high school, he worked Bills Body Shop and Jamestown Builders.  He then began working at Yankton canvas, where he continued to work until his death.

Jim thoroughly enjoyed being outdoors. You could find him casting fishing lines and camping in his free time most of the summer. He loved feeling the warmth of the sunshine on his skin while listening to the sounds of the water around him. Throughout his life, he would often spend time with his family and friends while riding dirt bikes, four wheelers, and jet skis.

Jim also had a love for music. If a song came on the radio or popped up in his head and there was a guitar nearby, he made sure it got put to good use. He loved getting his family and friends involved and playing music together. Later in life, he began giving guitar lessons to family members. It gave him great joy being able to pass on those skills and love for music. He also found enjoyment in collecting guitars. More recently, you could find him playing on his ukulele. 

Family has always been important to Jim. He loved being able to see them each day while working at his family’s canvas business. He enjoyed good conversation over family dinners and would gladly jump in on an impromptu jam session. He enjoyed going for drives to Fargo or Bismarck with his brothers, and loved when his nephew Hudson would come hang out with him. 

Jim also loved spending time with his daughters and grandsons. Camping trips and jeep rides were regular activities he enjoyed with his girls. He also enjoyed evening bike rides with them. When his grandsons came around, he would always go out of his way to make sure they had the best time possible with him. 

Jim is survived by his children, Jayme (Chris) Albright, her 2 boys, Talon and Gage and 1 grandson that’s on the way; Sheila Schmeichel and her son Brodyn, all of Minot, ND; his siblings, Carol Jensen, Montpelier, ND; Steven, Charles (Kristy), Debra Wilhelm, Teri Schmeichel, Kurt (Beth), Chad, and Van, all of Jamestown, ND; Jay (Heidi), Bismarck, ND; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant brother; and sister Marla; 1 nephew, Max.