John (Jay) Fred Schmidt, III, 71, of Boca Raton, FL passed away at his home Tuesday, April 23, 2013 after a six year battle with cancer.

The eldest of six sons, Jay was born on May 2, 1941 to J. Fred Schmidt, Jr. and Kathryn U. Schmidt in Columbus, Ohio. After her husband's sudden passing, Kathryn and her sons moved to Ft. Lauderdale, FL where Jay graduated from Ft. Lauderdale High School. He received his business accounting and finance degree from Florida State University.

For the next fifteen years, Jay worked for Atlantic Federal Savings and Loan where he became Vice-President of Operations. In 1982 he moved to Boca Raton, FL to go into business for himself. He had numerous real estate investments, was an avid stock picker, poker player, golfer, swimmer, and fantasy football player.

Jay became involved in his son's (Jason) T-ball league at the YMCA and discovered a passion for coaching that continued for many years. Coaching came naturally to Jay and his optimistic, positive attitude was contagious to the hundreds of local children who were fortunate enough to play under him. You could always count on Jay to be there with a laugh and smile, which made his home the gathering spot for family and friends. He will be dearly missed.

Jay is lovingly remembered by his two children: son John (Jason) Frederick Schmidt, IV and wife Julie, of Charlotte, NC; daughter Jennifer (Jenna) Anne Schmidt of Atlanta, GA; four brothers, Gregory, George, Clark and Dan, wife Kaliana; nieces and nephews: Tom, Lisa, husband Matt, Julie, husband Bert, George Jr., wife Duago, Katie, husband Chris, Ali, Charles, wife Tiffany, Kaylie, and Rob; his ex-wife, Jan; and numerous friends. Donations may be made to cancer research organizations
Arrangements by Gary Panoch Funeral Home, 6140 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton, FL 33487. 561-997-8580 www.gpanochfunerals.com