James F. “Jim” Schmid
Jim Schmid, life-long resident of Grays Harbor, the youngest of 5 children born to Floyd and Edith (Newman) Schmid, died at Grays Harbor Health & Rehabilitation Center, Aberdeen, Friday, November 21, 2014.
Jim was born September 16. 1930 in Aberdeen. He attended Finch Farms Grade School, first through second grades. In 1938 the family moved to 309 N. “G” St. It was a short walk with mother to Sam Benn Grade School, in its last year as a grade school. He then attended McDermoth in Aberdeen. He graduated from Weatherwax High School in 1948.
After graduation he enlisted in the US Navy in an active duty/reserve program. He was discharged from the USN Reserves in 1953. He later joined the Coast Guard Reserve.
Jim met the love of his life, Melba R. Strandberg, in January 1951. They were married May 20, 1951. She survives at the family home.
He started his career as a glazier for Landberg Paint & Glass. When things got slow, Alex Matheson and Herb Nelson secured a job for him at Copeland Glass. When they had to lay him off, they told him to go see Ed Copeland about a new job. After 11 years at Copeland’s he became a member of the Aberdeen Police Department. He earned the rank of Sergeant and was medically retired in 1976.
He co-owned with his wife, A-1 Glass Service and Melba’s Beauty Shoppe at 709 E. Market St. in Aberdeen. He was also a motor route delivery driver for The Daily World.
In 1981 they accepted a contract to be co-managers of Ocean Shores Outdoor Recreation Club and May 1, 1986 they started their full retirement.
Jim took pride in his wife and five daughters. He took constant kidding about his detailed travel plans. The started counting kids after he left Cindy at a gas station in California.
His interests included boat building, deep sea fishing, and duck and bird hunting. He started his flying lessons at age 15. At age 40 he took up flying again and obtained his VFR pilots license. He purchased an old “tail dragger”, a 1942 Cessna 120. He enjoyed flying to Copalis Beach landing strip to dig clams. Melba also obtained her VFR pilots license.
After retirement, Jim and Melba traveled by RV to all 48 mainland states on trips of up to 2 months. They enjoyed seeing the history of the United States. In later years they spent time in Southern California and Arizona.
Besides his wife of 63 years, he is survived by five daughters: Roseann (Mike) Presswood, Olympia, Susan of Hoquiam, Cindy (Jeff) Wetzel,, Hoquiam, Peggy (Joe) Cipale, Vancouver and Joann (Cerie), Newcastle; and also three grandchildren: Angie Smasal, Lacey, Kevin (Allison) Shay, Tumwater and Jennifer (Justin) Sims, Aberdeen; three great grandsons: Corey, Nolan and Colten; and also several nieces and nephews. He always thought of Marty as the son he never had.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers: Harold, Marvin and Merle; and a sister, Ruth Schmid Veal.
A memorial service will be held at 11 AM Saturday, December 6th in the chapel at Fern Hill Funeral Home.
The family suggests memorials may be made to your favorite children’s fund.
A card of condolence with a message or a memory may be sent to the family at www.fernhillfuneral.com
Arrangements are entrusted to Fern Hill Funeral Home, 2208 Roosevelt St., Aberdeen, WA.

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