James “Smitty” Schmitz

James “Smitty” Schmitz, 70, of La Salle, passed away unexpectedly on March 25, 2022 in OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria where he was a patient for 2 weeks.

Mass of Christian burial will be 11:00 AM Tuesday in St. Hyacinth’s Church in La Salle with Rev. Michael Pica officiating.  Visitation will be in the church on Tuesday from 9:00 AM until time of services.  The Hurst Funeral Home in La Salle are entrusted with Jim’s services.

Smitty was born in La Salle on August 6, 1951 to Clarence and Frances (Kralj) Schmitz.  He married Donna M. Mayszak in St. Mary’s Church in Peru on September 1, 1973.

He owned and operated Smitty’s Service in La Salle for over 46 years. Jim enjoyed his fishing trips to Minnesota, showing his car at shows, traveling and his special adventures with Barb.

Jim is survived by one son, Matthew (Deb Brokaw) Schmitz of LaMoille; two grandchildren, Haley and Jade Schmitz; a special friend Barb Crew; one brother Jack and one sister Carol.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Donna on August 15, 2019 and one son Douglas on October 2, 2019.

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