James L. Schmidt Sr., 78, of Chicora died at 12:40 a.m. Monday at Outlook Pointe Nursing Home, Saxonburg.

Born in Pittsburgh, Oct. 26, 1927, he was the son of Elmer and Maude Doan Schmidt.

He was an X-ray technician in the Army from Aug. 28, 1950, to Jan. 18, 1952.

He retired from Penreco in Karns City, where he had been a welder and worked in the laboratory, after 36 years.

Mr. Schmidt was a member of the Chicora American Legion. He was an avid bowler and golfer, and had played softball. He enjoyed fishing.

He was a former member of St. John's Reformed Church of Chicora, where he played the piano and the organ and served as treasurer. He also had served on the church Consistory until his illness.

Surviving are his wife, Inez Rider Schmidt, whom he married June 7, 1947; two sons, James L. Schmidt Jr. of Chicora and Michael Schmidt of Meadville; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. A brother, Frederick C. Schmidt of Fairview, also survives.

A brother preceded him in death.

SCHMIDT — There will be no visitation. A funeral service for James L. Schmidt, who died Monday, Jan. 2, 2006, will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday at the STEIGHNER FUNERAL HOME, 111 E. Slippery Rock St., Chicora, with the Rev. David West, pastor of GraceWay Community Church of Butler, officiating. Burial will be at the Zion Lutheran Church Cemetery, 266 Zion Church Road, Chicora.Military honors will be conducted by the Chicora American Legion and VFW posts.