James "Jim" S. Schminski

James Steven Schminski, Farmer, Handyman, and Great Neighbor

James Steven Schminski, known as Jim, a farmer, handyman, and great neighbor. He was a man who could fix just about anything, lend a hand to anyone, and turn an ordinary day into a good one with a simple conversation. Jim was born on February 19th, 1958 to William and Frances Schminski of Floodwood MN. Passed October 16th, 2026. He attended Floodwood High School with the class of 1976 and was a lifelong resident of Floodwood, MN.

In his early years, Jim took over the family farm, affectionately and forever known as “The Farm.” As the only boy among five children, he always looked out for his sisters, with the occasional teasing thrown in, just as any good brother would. Jim tended the farm with a love like none other, raising dairy cattle before transitioning to Black Angus. His love for the land and the life his father built never wavered. He took great pride in carrying on his family’s legacy, and the Schminski Farm is recognized as a Century Farm, continuously owned and operated by his family for more than 100 years. Farming wasn’t quite enough to keep Jim busy, so he also worked as a mechanic for Floodwood Gas and later was the maintence go to guy at the Riverview Apartments. He took pride in a job well done and served his community for numerous years as a supervisor on the Floodwood Township Board.

No matter how busy he was, Jim always had time to lend a helping hand. If a project was underway, you could bet Jim would be there, especially if it meant working alongside his son, Jesse. The shop was always buzzing with projects, from building a rat rod to horseshoe projects and whatever else caught their interest. One of their most recent projects was a new home, which Jim proudly called “Jesse’s Place,” built on the land he loved so dearly. Jim was always tinkering, building, or taking something apart to make it better. His shop door was always open—or, in winter, the light through its window let you know he was there. Behind that door, you could always find an interesting project, good conversation, and an ice-cold Schmidt, if you wanted one.

Jim was constantly figuring out better ways to do things, often creating a new jig to make a job run smoother. And when the workday was done, you could count on him to have a broom in hand, making sure the jobsite was neat and tidy for the next day. His handiwork can be found in countless family homes, and his loved ones will always be grateful for the time, care, and craftsmanship he shared so freely. A part of Jim will live on in the homes he helped build forever. Beyond the farm and the shop, Jim loved “his people.” When winter arrived, you could often find him at the local “Fishin’ Village.” Whether he actually fished remains a question, but that wasn’t the point. He was there for the company, the conversation, and the friendships.

Many will remember Jim’s familiar invitation: “Give me a buzz.” That often led to a road trip, with Jim as the master co-pilot, filling every mile with stories about current happenings, old memories, and just about anything and everything in between. Jim is preceeded in death by his parents, sisters Barb Bittrich and Bonnie Hall. He is survived by his son and sidekick “Jesse James” Schminski and (Rachel Gobin) of (Duluth, MN), sisters Carol Schminski of (Duluth, MN), and Betty Deno (Roger) of (Waterville, MN). Many neices and nephews and great neices and nephews who all will remember Uncle Jim at “The Farm”. Jim’s legacy lives on in the land he loved, the projects he brought to life, and the family and friends who will carry his stories forward. He will be remembered for his hard work, good humor, and willingness to always lend a hand.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday October 23rd at 3:00pm at the Arrowhead Township Hall (9798 Hwy 2 Brookston, MN 55711) Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Atkins Northland Funeral Home, 801 14th Street, Cloquet. To sign the guest book and leave an online tribute, see www.atkinsnorthlandfuneralhome.com

And, as Jim would say after time spent with the people he loved: “Okay, Yeah Yeah, See ya later!”