John Carl Schmidt

John (Johnny) Carl Schmidt
May 23, 1960 – September 17, 2021

Johnny was born on May 23, 1960 in Glasgow, Montana. He is survived by his father and mother, John
(Jack) and Suzanne Schmidt; brother, Michael Schmidt; his brother-in-law and sister, Aron and Kimberly
Allen (nee Schmidt); and his nephew and niece, Connor and Sophia Allen.
Johnny was raised in St. Louis, MO where he attended the Hazelwood School District and played the
coronet in the Hazelwood East High School jazz and marching bands. He was active in both Cub Scouts
and the Boy Scouts of America part of which was going to Philmont in New Mexico to hike and camp for
several weeks. He achieved the rank of Life in the scouts. His mother Suzanne was the den leader during

his years as a Cub Scout and his father Jack participated in many of the scout activities when he was
older. He and his brother Michael spent many weekends and weeks during the summer on float trips
and camping around Missouri and surrounding states.
After graduation Johnny studied Art at the University of Missouri Columbia for 3 years. From here he
found a love of working in restaurants and in particular Red Lobster. Working with Red Lobster
corporation he was able to transfer to a position in Atlanta, GA where he continued to pursue his love of
art and attended the Art Institute of Atlanta. He graduated from the institute with honors and an
Associate of Arts degree in Visual Communications, December 1986. This degree allowed Johnny to
launch his amazing career in advertising, marketing, and graphic design. He worked for many years at
Bigelow & Eigel, Inc. in Atlanta before moving west to San Diego, CA and entering the Electronic Gaming
industry with Mad Catz. Many friends and family had the pleasure of benefiting from his gaming
connections especially his niece and nephew! His work with Mad Catz also allowed him to travel to
many areas of the world which he greatly enjoyed. He loved going new places and he never ever met a
stranger.
Johnny loved his “Village” in Normal Heights. His family was always welcome to come and visit and his
friends were extended family to us all. There was always coffee at the local Starbucks, breakfast at the
Antique Row, and a plethora of amazing restaurants and pubs to visit on Adams Ave. Beach visits were a
must, hanging with friends and neighbors, grilling on the patio, Chargers and Padres games, and most
recently walks and snuggles with his precious dog Lola. Johnny left us on September 17, 2021 and will be
greatly missed by everyone he ever met. We know that he is in a better place watching over us all just
waiting for the best time to start misplacing our things! xoxo
In lieu of flowers please make donations to Cancer Research Institute.