Jacob J. Schmidt III

Jacob J. Schmidt III died peacefully at home on April 15, 2010. He was 88 years old. The son of the late Amelia Schmidt and Jacob J. Schmidt Jr., he was a lifelong Louisville resident. He started his career as a mechanic in 1939, and over the years worked for several car dealerships, including Lehmann Motors, Beaux Ballard Buick, Jim Cooke Buick and Cooke Pontiac. He retired as Vice President and Director of Operations for Sam Swope Pontiac in 1983. He married Mildred Voll on February 14, 1942. Three months later, he volunteered for the Army, joining the 605th Ordinance Battalion. He served in North Africa and Italy during World War II, working in a unit that assembled, waterproofed and repaired tanks and other vehicles. He returned safely from the war, and he moved his young family to Shively, to the house where he would reside for the rest of his life. Mr. Schmidt was dedicated to the safety and well-being of his community. While still a teenager, he served as a member of the Louisville Auxiliary Police. After moving to Shively, he found that the rapidly growing town had an inadequate fire department, so he co-founded the Dixie Suburban Volunteer Fire Department at a 1952 meeting in his living room. This fire department is still active today. Mr. Schmidt served as chief and assistant chief of the newly formed fire department, and was the deputy fire marshal for a time. He also taught first aid and CPR classes for the American Red Cross and the Boy Scouts. Mr. Schmidt was a steadfast member of St Stephen United Church of Christ, where he was as an elder and deacon and served as church president for seven terms. He was a member of Shawnee Masonic Lodge #830, Scottish Rite and the Dixie Post of the American Legion. Mr. Schmidt is predeceased by his parents and his sisters, Marie Baker and Lillian Carlisle. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Mildred Voll Schmidt, and his children Sherri Dutschke (Kenny), Jay Schmidt (Betty) of Montgomery, TX, and Diane “Dee” Walters of Apple Valley, CA. He has four granddaughters, Jerri Mortenson (Curt), of The Woodlands, TX; Suzanne Gray (Ero), of New York City; Christine Fundell (Dustin), of Apple Valley, CA; and Ashley Hall;, as well as six great-grandchildren: Tyler, Elizabeth and Joshua Mortenson and Kaitlin, Dylan and Lilyan Fundell. He is also survived by his brother, Frederick Schmidt. Visitation will be in Shively at Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Hwy, Saturday from 3 PM to 8 PM and Sunday 12 noon to 3 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM. The funeral service will be in Shively at St. Stephens United Church of Christ, 1875 Farnsley Rd, on Monday at 11 AM with burial at Resthaven Cemetery. Your online Condolences are welcome at www.owen funeralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to St Stephen UCC or Hosparus of Louisville.