James F. "Rick" Schmitt was born on October 14, 1944 at the US Naval Hospital in San Diego, California to Fred and Virginia (Hunter) Schmitt. Rick left this life on November 22, 2014 in Springfield, Mo. at the age of 70. Rick graduated high school in 1962 in Atchison, Kansas. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology/Psychology from Kansas State Teachers College. Rick ultimately earned his Master's degree from Southwest Missouri State University and was a Licensed Professional Counselor. Rick began his career with the Department of Probation and Parole with the State of Missouri. He later moved to Springfield to work for the Division of Youth Services. Rick finished his career working with adolescents at Lakeland Hospital and also was in private practice. He was passionate about helping kids. He was a member of Unity of Springfield Church and Elks #409. He is a past president for SAY Council. Rick was an avid reader and cyclist, loved music especially drums, the outdoors and enjoyed creating unique knives. He was known for his "get togethers" as he knew how to make everyone feel welcome. He was a very generous and kind hearted person and was always willing to provide "counsel." He dealt with his health issues with grace and he never let it get the best of him because he had too much life to live! Family was very important and he especially loved to brag about his grandchildren. Rick was preceded in death by his mom and dad. He is survived by his wife, Jeanne Jones, two daughters, Kelly Youngberg (Mark) and Jennifer Schmitt, one son, Brian Sonnier, two brothers, Douglas Schmitt (Vonda) and Kurt Schmitt (Vivian), six grandchildren, Marcus Youngberg, Luke Youngberg, Cole Harvey, Isabella Harvey, Grant Satterlee and Lillie Arth, several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, his wife's family, Amanda Satterlee (Kris), Arana Arth (Todd), Greg Jones (Pamela), her brothers, Gary Hale (Betty), Larry Hale (Darlene) and Stan Hale (Brenda), his Tuesday lunch buddies and a myriad of great friends. Visitation will be on Monday, November 24 from 6-8:00 p.m. at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home. Services will be at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, November 25 at Unity of Springfield Church on East Seminole. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Springfield Advocates for Youth, 918 S. Jefferson Avenue, Springfield, MO 65806.
