Dr. James Lee Schmoll, 60

Dr. James Lee Schmoll, 60, of Cheshire, won his battle with brain cancer on July 14, 2015. While on a walk with his family Tuesday afternoon, he got up out of his wheelchair and ran the rest of the way home.

He was born on July 9, 1955, to the late Robert O. and Margaret L. Schmoll of Middleport, Ohio. He was a 1973 graduate of Meigs High School, and a 1981 graduate of The Ohio State University College of Optometry.

Jim married his best friend, Deb (Baird) Schmoll, on July 31, 1982. Together, they had two children, Lauren (Nathan) Schmoll Wood, and Jamie (Christopher) Schmoll Burchett. He was thrilled to become a grandfather to June Burchett on June 1, 2015.

Many knew Dr. Schmoll as their eye doctor. He proudly operated Schmoll Optometrics for 33 years in his hometown of Middleport, before retiring after the onset of his illness in February of 2014. He also wore many other hats. To his family and friends, he was the one to turn to when anything needed fixed. He was a beloved boss, mentor, friend, and father. He enjoyed practicing Karate at Bitanga’s Martial Arts with his friend and instructor Ben Nease, and was a car and motorcycle guru. Spending time on his Harley Davidson and with his family were his two passions.

Perhaps his greatest legacy, however, is his unwavering faith in Christ through his 17-month battle with brain cancer. Throughout his illness, he remained a source of inspiration and hope for not only his family, but to all who followed his journey.

In addition to his wife, daughters, sons-in-law, and granddaughter, he is survived by his brother, Robert (Donna) Schmoll of Thurman, Ohio; sister, Janis Schmoll of Gallipolis, Ohio; brothers-in-law, John Baird of Cheshire, Ohio, and Steve (Robin) Baird of Thurman, Ohio; nephew, Zachary Baird of Athens, Ohio; niece, Kelcie Baird of Gallipolis, Ohio; and mother-in-law, Bonnie Baird of Cheshire, Ohio.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Margaret Schmoll, and his father-in-law, Elmer Baird.

Dr. Schmoll was a life-long member of Trinity Church in Pomeroy, Ohio. Visitation will be held in the Trinity Church sanctuary on Friday evening, July 17, 2015, from 6 pm – 8 pm. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 18, 2015 at 11 am, also in the sanctuary, with Pastor Randy Smith officiating.

Those wishing to make a monetary donation in Dr. Schmoll’s name can do so through Gabe’s Race 5k, a local fundraiser for brain cancer research at Duke University Medical Center. Donations can be made at Ohio Valley Bank or at www.angelsamongus.org under “Team Stewart.”

An online registry is available at www.andersonmcdaniel.com.