James Colton Schmid

James Colton Schmid. 26, passed Jun 8th, 2022. He was the son of Claude Schmid and Laura Ledford.

In addition to his parents, Colton is survived by a younger brother, a grandfather, a grandmother, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins across several states.

As a military family child, Colton lived and learned in different communities. He did exceptionally well in school. A fascination with movies came early, especially for the artistic and creative skills necessary to produce films. As a young boy, he impressed many with his physical courage, agility, and balance, regularly doing what others would not or could not, such as prevailing in exploration and climbing feats, or acts of daring. He was an Eagle Scout, a Karate Black Belt, and a lover of humor, especially pranks. After his school years, he took pride in independence and taking his own path. He did things his way.

Despite living a too short life, Colton lived a deep and imaginative one, traveled widely both physically and in spirit, read expansively, tested limits, braved adversity. Adventure was a friend to him; inactivity a foe.

What could have been and wasn't; what might have come and now won't; leaves a saddened family to miss and mourn him and a multitude of lost possibilities, while still grateful to have once had him to smile with, play with, laugh with, and love.

The family’s memorial service is private.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in his memory to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) at www.nami.org or to a charity of one’s choice.