APRIL 11 • 2024 | 69

J

ames C. Schmidt, 
83, beloved husband, 
cherished father, 
treasured grandfather, 
adoring great-grandfather 
and esteemed psychologist, 
passed away peacefully 
surrounded by his loving 
family on April 1, 2024. 
He leaves behind a legacy 
of warmth, wisdom and 
boundless love.
Raised in Detroit with 
his devoted brother, Bob 
(MyLe) Schmidt, and loving 
sister, Gaye Tillman, Jim 
offered the ultimate example 
of a life well-lived. He was 
the adoring husband of 
Sharon (Music) Schmidt 
for 60 years, and their love 
served as an inspiration to 
all who knew them.
As a father, Jim was 
a pillar of strength and 
guidance to his children, 
Julie (Loren) Stone and 
David (Liz Wierba) 
Schmidt. His unconditional 
love and unwavering 
encouragement shaped 
the lives of his children, 
instilling in them values of 
integrity, compassion, and 
resilience. Jim’s greatest joy 
came from being a doting 
Papa to his grandchildren, 
Alex (Kristin) Stone, 
Stefanie Stone, Jonah 
(Colin) Schmidt and Max 
Schmidt. He reveled in 
their accomplishments, 
celebrated their milestones 
and showered them with 
love and affection. His 
excitement knew no bounds 
upon welcoming his twin 
great-grandsons, Ethan 
and Connor Stone, into the 
world.
Beginning in 1970, Dr. 
Schmidt was a faculty 

member at 
Oakland 
University, 
ultimately 
acting as a 
founding 
member of the 
Department 
of Counseling and the 
Department of Human 
Resources Development. He 
also had a thriving family 
therapy practice that he 
shared with his partners at 
Oakwoods Psychological 
Center.
Beyond his 
accomplishments as a 
psychologist and professor, 
Jim was a grand adventurer, 
always seeking new 
experiences and embracing 
life’s journey with an open 
heart and an adventurous 
spirit. Whether exploring 
distant lands or simply 
enjoying the beauty of 
nature, he approached every 
moment with enthusiasm 
and wonder.
Jim Schmidt’s passing 
leaves a void in the hearts 
of all who knew him. Yet, 
his memory will continue to 
live on in the countless lives 
he touched and the lessons 
he imparted. He will be 
remembered not only for his 
professional achievements 
but, more importantly, 
for the love, kindness and 
compassion he shared with 
all who crossed his path.
Interment was held at 
Machpelah Cemetery in 
Ferndale. Contributions 
may be made to Gesher 
Human Services or to 
the Jewish Hospice and 
Chaplaincy Network. 
Arrangements by Dorfman 
Chapel. 

A Legacy of Love

James 
Schmidt

Galleria Officenter, Suite 
400, Southfield, MI 48034, 
hom.org/donations; Jewish 
Hospice & Chaplaincy 
Network, 6555 W. Maple, 
West Bloomfield, MI 48322, 
jhcn.org/donate/tribute; 
or to a charity of one’s 
choice. Arrangements by Ira 
Kaufman Chapel.

ARTHUR 
SMITH, 99, of 
West Bloomfield, 
died March 29, 
2024.
He is survived 
by his beloved wife, Dolores 
Smith; children, Mindy 
Smith (Ted Stenhouse) 
Smith and Fredric Smith; 
grandchildren, Jenny Crakes, 
Alex Ramsay-Smith, Hunter 
Ramsay-Smith and Isaac 
Smith; devoted brother, 
Martin Smith many other 
loving family members and 
friends.
He was the brother of the 
late Gordon Smith. 
Interment was held 
at Clover Hill Park 
Cemetery in Birmingham. 
Contributions may be made 
to Congregation Beth Ahm, 
to JARC or to a charity of 
one’s choice. Arrangements 
by Dorfman Chapel.

BRENDA JOYCE STERN, 
77, of West Bloomfield, died 
April 3, 2024. 
She was the beloved 
daughter of the late Albert 
and Rose Stern; dear sister 
of the late Janice Stern. She 
is survived by many loving 
family members and friends. 
Interment was held at 
Adat Shalom Memorial 
Park Cemetery in Livonia. 
Contributions may be made 
to the Michigan Humane 
Society. Arrangements by 
Dorfman Chapel.

CINDY 
ATTENSON 
ZATE, 59, of West 
Bloomfield, died 
March 31, 2024. 
Mrs. Zate is 
survived by her daughter, Lucy 
Zate; sister and brother-in-
law, Jill Attenson Gurfinkel 
and Mike Forrest; brother and 
sister-in-law, Ryan and Wendy 
Attenson; brothers-in-law and 
sister-in-law, Ronald Zate and 
Marshall Sprung, and Kary 
and Christine Zate; nephew 
and nieces, Alan and Sue 
Vosko, and Kay Silver; many 
loving relatives and friends. 
Mrs. Zate was the beloved 
wife of the late Barry C. Zate; 
the special aunt of the late 
Donald Silver, the late Marilyn 
and the late Robert Silver, 
the late Sandra Silver and the 
late Sam Davis; the devoted 
daughter of the late Myron 
and the late Marilyn “Butchie” 
Attenson. 
Interment was at Beth El 
Memorial Park. Contributions 
may be made to Blessings 
in a Backpack, 303 East St., 
Rochester, MI 48307, bless-
ingsinabackpackmi.org; 
Anti-Defamation League 
(ADL), P.O. Box 252166, West 
Bloomfield, MI 48325-2166, 
michigan.adl.org/tag/Detroit; 
or to a charity of one’s choice. 
Arrangements by Ira Kaufman 
Chapel.

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