Joseph Paul Schmidt Jr.

June 7, 1955 – November 20, 2025

Joseph Paul Schmidt Jr. “Joey” passed away peacefully at home on Thursday November 20th surrounded by family after a two year battle with cancer.

Born in Portland, Oregon to Joseph and Catherine Schmidt, the second of three sons, Joey distinguished himself in local athletics. He attended Marshall High School as a four-year letterman in basketball, two-time First Team All-State; two-time First Team All-PIL, a four-year letterman in football, and a three-year letterman in baseball. Joey was heavily recruited to play basketball at some of the top collegiate programs, but a broken arm suffered during his junior football season had doctors telling him he would never play again. Joey used it as motivation to earn his second AAA all state honor his senior year and accept a full ride scholarship to attend the University of Nevada Reno and star for the Wolf Pack basketball team. Joey would star four years for the team and would boast with a wink that he was the best point guard the pack ever had. A fan favorite for his competitiveness and grit, he was affectionately known by fans of the team as “Mr. Floorburns” after he had a habit of diving for loose balls. He was a leader and was voted team captain his senior year.

After completing his degree at UNR, Joey considered playing basketball overseas, or coaching collegiately, but instead, took a job teaching math and coaching the varsity basketball team at Whittell High School in Zephyr Cove Nevada which speaks to his passion for basketball and desire to help develop other students’ talents. He often would laugh at the fact that he had coached players barely younger than himself. It was there that he met his wife Sharon.

Joey and Sharon returned to reside in Portland. They welcomed two children, daughter Lauren and son Jordan. Over the next four decades, Joey returned to coaching at Estacada High School followed by his alma mater, Marshall High school. He then had a successful career as a stockbroker, followed by a Christmas tree farmer, and eventually transitioned to a nursery broker. Through it all Joey was a man of passion. He loved sports, horse racing, Hawaiian shirts (and Hawaii), treasure hunting, but most of all friends and family. His effortless humor, and his passion for life, but most importantly his ability to connect with people of all walks of life gave him a circle of people that all considered him to be one of their best friends.

He was a proud husband, father and grandfather, and his most treasured time was being around family and watching them grow, instilling in them the same passion he had for life. He loved trips to the family beach house in Rockaway Beach, fishing with his brothers and friends, and cheering on his grandchildren as they played sports and danced. In recognition of his own athletic accomplishments, he was inducted into the PIL Hall of Fame in 2005.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years Sharon, daughter Lauren Reins, son Jordan, son-in-law Brent Reins, and daughter-in-law Kelsey Schmidt. He is also survived by five grandchildren Malin Reins, Finley Reins, Trey Schmidt, Mac Schmidt and Shay Schmidt who were his greatest joy and love.

Joey loved life and had a vitality that energized others. He was a dreamer and empowered those around him to dream big too. His legacy is one of big hearted generosity, love, faith, humor, treasure hunting and planting trees, most importantly family, and making friends feel like family.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 20th at 2pm at the Postlewait Farm located at 29510 S Barlow Rd in Canby, Oregon. In honor of Joey, guests are invited to wear their best Hawaiian shirt.

In lieu of flowers we ask that you consider making a donation to the Providence Portland Medical Foundation for cancer research in his honor. Here is the link to donate online.  https://give.providencefoundations.org/cancerresearch

If you prefer to mail your donation in, below is the address:

Providence Portland Medical Foundation

“Cancer research in memory of Joseph Schmidt” in check memo

4805 NE Glisan Street Suite 1G14

Portland, Oregon 97213