Jim Macy, longtime J. Frank Schmidt salesman, dies

Jim Macy, sales representative for J. Frank Schmidt and Son Co., died March 11.

Here is the letter that J. Frank Schmidt III sent to customers and suppliers.

Dear Friends,

We’re very sad to share the news that Jim Macy passed away unexpectedly on Friday, March 11, at his home in Roscoe, Illinois.

Our hearts go out to his wife Lori and their three children, Sean, Brett and Meghan. We offer our condolences to his loving family and his many, many friends.

During the two decades that Jim served J. Frank Schmidt & Son Co. as our representative in Illinois and Missouri, he was much more than a salesman.

To quote an Illinois customer when she learned of Jim’s death, “Jim was not just somebody you did business with. He was a person that you shared news about your family and your life. He was our friend.”

Jim was born on March 16, 1955 in Detroit, Michigan. He graduated from Michigan State University in 1979 with a degree in Horticulture and Marketing. He worked at Cottage Gardens prior to serving Bailey Nurseries for six years, and joined our company in the spring of 1992. He and Lori settled in Roscoe, Illinois, where they raised their family. Jim maintained a home office and touched many lives as he traveled around the Midwest as a spokesman for trees.

During his 19 years with our company, Jim became a great personal friend and a beloved member of our nursery family. Words cannot convey our sorrow at this loss. Jim will be laid to rest in Livonia, Michigan, at a private, family-only service.

Jim’s family invites you to remember him at a Celebration of Life Memorial on Saturday, April 2 at Roscoe United Methodist Church, 10816 Main Street, Roscoe, IL (815-623-2292). A Visitation with Family will take place from 10 a.m. to noon. The Rev. Paul Meyers and Father Gary Krahenbuhl will preside over a Celebration of Life Service from Noon to 1 p.m., which will be followed by a luncheon and fellowship gathering from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. I hope to see you there as we join together to celebrate the life of our dear friend Jim Macy.

Sincerely,

J. Frank Schmidt, III

In lieu of flowers, you are invited to contribute to the charity of your choice or to a scholarship fund that is being set up for Sean, Brett and Meghan, who will graduate from high school this spring. Details will be posted on our website, or you may call our office for more information.