Jay Robert Schmitt

Jay Robert Schmitt, Age 62, died on the 14th of February, 2012 after a heroic battle with cancer. Cancer claimed his mortal body, but laid no claim on his valiant, determined, and adventurous spirit. Jay is survived by Joyce, his wife of 29 years; son, Richard Kehoe; and grandsons, Kostya and Nikori Kehoe, of Kihei, Hawaii. He was preceded in death by his son, Jonathan Robert Schmitt. Jay was born in Albuquerque, on December 20, 1949 to Otto Robert Schmitt and Linda Alice Perkins. He grew up in Albuquerque, graduating from Rio Grande High School in 1967. Jay was very proud to have served his country as a Marine during the Vietnam conflict and always had a "Semper Fi" greeting for his fellow Marines. He later graduated with a Bachelor's degree in chemistry from the University of New Mexico and with a Doctorate of Optometry from Southern California College of Optometry. Jay practiced optometry in the Albuquerque area for over 25 years. While Jay enjoyed his optometry career, it was his outside interests and hobbies that brought him great joy and fulfillment. His interests were ever changing as he moved through life ... skiing, scuba diving, hang gliding, wind surfing, kayaking, motorcycles, hot rods, and airplanes. Jay wanted to experience it all, but it was aviation that was his first love. He moved through the rigors of training to become a single- and multi-engine pilot, IFR-rated pilot, flight instructor, and an A&P mechanic. Jay was a talented mechanic and an ingenious "fix-it" man who could create or fix anything he set his mind to. Jay's interests and hobbies enabled him to develop lasting and treasured friendships. He had the ability to make new acquaintances feel as though they had been his friend for years. He treasured his friends from the aviation community and from the Chapter One Legion Riders. He will be greatly missed by his wife, family, and his many friends. A gathering to celebrate Jay's life will be held for family and friends. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations be made to the Albuquerque EAA Chapter 179, Scholarship Fund for future aviators, PO Box 3583, Albuquerque, NM 87190 or to the American Cancer Society, 10501 Montgomery Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87111. Arrangements entrusted to Riverside Funeral Home of Albuquerque, 225 San Mateo Blvd. NE 505 764-9663