SAVANNAH, GEORGIA - James “Jay” Ronald Schmidt, Jr., 48, of Savannah, Georgia, died Saturday afternoon, October 15, 2011, at Candler Hospital.

Born in Savannah, Georgia, he was the oldest son of Joan Thomas Schmidt and the late James “Jimmy” Ronald Schmidt, Sr. Jay was a member of White Bluff United Methodist Church and was an electrician. He enjoyed fishing, music, and being a drummer for the Georgia Fire band. He was fondly known by many friends and family as “Jaybird”.

Survivors include his mother, Joan Thomas Schmidt of Savannah, Georgia; one brother, Jon A. Schmidt and his wife, Lisa, of Savannah, Georgia; one niece, Farrah Schmidt, and one nephew, Devan Glover.

The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 o’clock Monday evening at Gamble Funeral Service – 410 Stephenson Avenue.

The funeral service will be held at 11 o’clock Tuesday morning in the chapel of Gamble Funeral Service conducted by The Reverend John A. Haney. Interment will follow in the Greenwich section of Bonaventure Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Josh Soeffner, Aaron Soeffner, David Soeffner, Chris Soeffner, Steve Fairbanks, Alex Fairbanks, Bradley Sanderson and Pepe Prieto.

Remembrances: American Diabetes Association – Suite C236, 5105 Paulsen Street, Savannah, Georgia 31405.