Thomas Jay "TJ" Schmitz was born December 30, 1965, in Gregory, the 4 ^th child of Ken and Lee Schmitz, and passed away on Thursday, November 26, 2020, at the age of 54. After graduating from St. Mary's High School in O'Neill, NE, TJ graduated from USD and the University of Kansas Law School. He practiced law in Belle Fourche and Spearfish, and later was involved in sales and most recently was a Resident Counselor at Box Elder Job Corp.

TJ is joining his dad, big brother, Tim, and all of his grandparents in Heaven. He has left to miss him, every second of every day, his mom, big sisters, Roxie Chocholousek (David) and Julie Schmitz Jensen, nieces and nephews Julie Krommenhoek (Todd), Ryan Chocholousek (Kelly), Ashley Olsen (Ryan), Patrick Schmitz, Sam Jensen (Taylor), Ben Jensen (Jenny), Alex Chocholousek (Anna), Aaron Schmitz, Nathan Schmitz, Abigail Jensen (Max), CeCe Schmitz, aunts and uncles, cousins, great nieces and nephews, his hundreds of friends, co-workers and pups. TJ loved his family and friends so deeply.

TJ also loved the great outdoors where you could find him enjoying a good book in the comfort of nature. His amazing sense of humor and quick wit made it easy for him to light up any room he walked into.

TJ will be celebrated at a Funeral Vigil on Wednesday, December 2, at 6:00 PM at Blessed Sacrament Church in Rapid City and at a Funeral Mass on Thursday, December 3, at 10:00 AM at Blessed Sacrament Church. Memorials may be given to the Humane Society-Black Hills or a nature-based charity of your choice.

TJ's family wants to express sincere gratitude to everyone for all the support and love.

Arrangements are under the care of the Fidler-Isburg Funeral Chapels and Isburg Crematory of Spearfish. Online condolences may be written at www.fidler-isburgfuneralchapels.com