James Schmalstig (Veteran)

James Joseph Schmalstig, 87, of Laclede County, passed away Tuesday, March 13, 2012, at Capital Region Medical Center. He was born March 1, 1925, in Celina, Ohio, a son of Joseph and Mary Kraudelt Schmalstig. He was married November 27, 1948, to Georgie Anne Fischer in Dayton, Ohio, who preceded him in death February 2009. He was in the U.S. Army from 1943-1946 serving in Germany and the Philippines. He graduated in 1950 from the University of Dayton, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He worked at: Aerojet General, General Electric, Los Alamos Scientific Laboratory, among others. He was a farmer and philosopher from 1974 until 2012, writing a book, The Real World. He is survived by three sons: James Schmalstig and wife Lorilee of San Diego, Calif., John Schmalstig of Ontario, Calif., and Mark Schmalstig and wife Lisa of Holts Summit; three daughters: Susan Monell of Ontario, Calif., Diane Irvine and husband Bruce of Henderson, Nev. and Mary Beaujean and husband Mathieu of the Netherlands; and one sister: Vera Hinton of Dayton, Ohio; 12 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by four sisters. A private gathering will be held Sunday, March 18, 2012.