I want to express my deepest condolences from my family and I, to Jimmy’s Family and friends, and especially to his sister Kathy in this very tender time of loss.
The first thing I think of when remembering Jimmy Joe was this: he was the first person I wanted to see when I drove to Windansea Beach in La Jolla. Even if nothing was going on, he was the first person I sought out. He was a Windansea fixture, an institution really. He put me in the right mood without even speaking a word, just his expression was enough. He was where it was at for me. He always made me smile. He was the kindest most generous person, and being his friend was very special. He truly had a heart of gold. He would share anything he had with you--pass around a guitar he had in his truck (he was an amazing guitarist, so humble), freely let you borrow a wetsuit and a surfboard whenever, share a cold beer when he had ‘em, roll off one classic story after another, share tickets to many padres games and concerts, going to the horse races in Del Mar, running up to a casino on a whim--we had many great times. But the thing he shared that meant more than everything else was his heart. Everything else could be replaced, but the most valuable thing, his heart, could only be shared while he was around us, and he gave his big ole heart like no one else could, or ever did, and I really do miss him.
I wish I had a few photos of Jimmy. He really didn’t want me to take a picture of him, he told me he was shy. I remember setting up a video camera at my house and restringing two guitars, one for Jimmy and the other for my son, before a concert all of us were going to attend. He didn’t want me to video tape him. Another time I’ll never forget was after a surf at Windansea sometime last year. It was late afternoon just before a glorious sunset. I’m walking up to the parking lot from the beach, and Jimmy is playing his guitar. I’ll never forget the glow from within him as he played to the people and the surroundings all about him, the golden light of the setting sun radiating, the vibe just getting more intense, and his happy welcoming face beaming as I walked up close to him. I remember thinking the whole time I just want to remember this moment forever.
Writing a goodbye to my friend, Jimmy Joe, has been really difficult. Not only do I don’t want to ever say goodbye to my friend, I just can’t find the words to do it. I won’t be able to write down and convey how much I miss Jimmy Joe, or be able to regale a story about him and capture how sweet Jimmy was to everyone, or find the words to describe the fun that just emanated from him. He was beyond mere words. He was a very sensitive guy too. He gave me some of the kindest praise not even my own parents could find the time or words for me. I will carry that with me the rest of my life. Thank you so much, Jimmy. The daily gathering at the parking lot at Windansea will never be the same without Jimmy.
When I got the phone call of Jimmy’s passing, my son was sitting just a few feet away and as he listened to my responses to the information I was getting, watching my reactions-- he knew something major just happened. He asked me ‘what’s going on?’ and when I told him he instantly broke down and cried. Later he read these lyrics to a song the three of us saw played live at a concert:
Yesterday a morning came, a smile upon your face.
Caesar's palace, morning glory, silly human, silly human race,
On a sailing ship to nowhere, leaving any place,
If the summer change to winter, yours is no,
Yours is no disgrace.
Yours is no disgrace.
Yours is no disgrace.
“That’s Jimmy.” My son said.
The first time I saw Jimmy play the guitar he blew my mind with a Yes song.
Jimmy asked me a every few years if the scene at the Pipeline on the North Shore was like an amphitheatre. I never seemed to give him the answer he sought after even though I tried anew each time he asked. And though I spent a few years right after high school surfing the North Shore and all those fabled waves-- his interest / curiosity with the Pipe stayed with him. I picture him now in spirit not only walking across the thick grainy sands at the Pipeline carrying a perfect surfboard but charging into each flawless magical wave after wave with abounding joy, and with laughing ease. He now knows the Pipeline! Like my words could never tell him before. Aloha!
I will cherish my times with Jimmy in my heart until forevermore.
Thank you, Jimmy Joe, for being you!!!
Rest in Peace, James ‘Jimmy’ Joe Schmidt.
I want to express my deepest condolences from my family and I, to Jimmy’s Family and friends, and especially to his sister Kathy in this very tender time of loss.
The first thing I think of when remembering Jimmy Joe was this: he was the first person I wanted to see when I drove to Windansea Beach in La Jolla. Even if nothing was going on, he was the first person I sought out. He was a Windansea fixture, an institution really. He put me in the right mood without even speaking a word, just his expression was enough. He was where it was at for me. He always made me smile. He was the kindest most generous person, and being his friend was very special. He truly had a heart of gold. He would share anything he had with you--pass around a guitar... READ MORE →
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