John Henry Schmid

September 21, 1924 - February 6, 2015

John Henry Schmid, 90-years young and a 15-year resident of Prescott, Arizona, passed away peacefully at home in the presence of loved-ones on February 6, 2015. John's passing came after a 3-year battle with cancer, a battle which ultimately cost him his life, but which did not defeat him. John was born in Glendale, California on September 21, 1924. He grew up along with his six siblings during the Great Depression and at the age of 17 voluntarily enlisted in the United States Navy. He served as a member of the first crew of the USS Intrepid and was involved in a number of battles in the Pacific, several of which resulted in the Intrepid being struck by kamikaze dive bombers. John was honorably discharged in 1945. Upon returning to civilian life, John completed his High School education and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry from Oregon State College and a Master of Education degree from Oregon State University. After having several “close calls” while working as a lumberjack, John decided it was time to put his education to good use. He began by serving as a County Extension Agent for 4H in Oregon and later returned to California where he distinguished himself as a 4H Youth Adviser in Ventura County. John retired in 1982 after which he and his beloved wife, Betty-Jo Carnes, spent their time playing tennis, traveling domestically and internationally, and enjoying their growing blended family. John was always interested in community service. He joined the Masons in 1956 while living in Joseph, Oregon, and was granted perpetual membership on the anniversary of his 50th year of service to the organization. He was also a decades-long member and past president of the Ventura Downtown Lions Club. John is survived by his wife of 33-years, Betty-Jo Carnes, his children, John Oren Schmid (Ellen), Simi Valley, CA; Nancey Buchalter (Richard), Moorpark, CA; Laura Schmid, Santa Barbara, CA; Grandchildren Anthony Wilson, North Carolina; Marylin Schmid, San Diego, CA; Blair, Cole, and Kelsie Buchalter, Moorpark, CA; and Great Grandson Peyton Wilson, North Carolina Extended Family: Debra Carnes Alley, Prescott, AZ; Nancey Carnes Convery (Tom), Prescott, AZ; Grandchildren: Chet Alley, Glendale, AZ; Nicholas Alley (Christy), Peoria, AZ; Kelley Convery, Reseda, CA; Rebecca Convery, Ventura, CA; Great Grandchildren: Alexandra, Caleb, Christian, Cylar, Nicholas Jr., Maya and Sarah Alley. Brother, James Schmid, Philomath, Oregon. A memorial service will be set at a later date. The family would like to acknowledge doctors David P. Danowski, MD and Jeffrey M. Sanwick, MD, for the quality medical care which they have provided John over the years, and to Granite Mountain Hospice staff for their caring and professional assistance. The family gratefully requests that anyone wishing to make donations, do so by contributing to the Wounded Warriors Project, the Salvation Army or the Make-a-Wish Foundation.