Jerry Paul Schmidt, 76, of Laguna Vista, Texas, passed away on Saturday, November 12th, 2022. Jerry was born on October 5, 1946, to E.G. and Dorothy Schmidt in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The family soon moved to Shawnee, Kansas where he grew up and went to high school at Shawnee Mission North High School. Jerry joined the Navy during the Vietnam War for 2 tours where he was stationed in Guam as a Navy Angel jumping from helicopters during search and rescue missions. Jerry moved all around the U.S. and during that time he had his first daughter Stacie Marie. He was an Aircraft & Power Plant Mechanic in Brownsville, Texas and during his travels he met the love of his life Julie Ann Manning. Jerry and Julie built a life together and had two beautiful children. He worked as a manager at Zimco Marine for over 30 years in Port Isabel, Texas. Jerry lived the rest of his life enjoying his family, friends and his hobbies which included scuba diving, golf, playing pool, woodworking, fishing, as well as many others. He is preceded in his death by his parents, E.G., and Dorothy Schmidt; his brother, John Schmidt; and his daughter Stacie Marie Hurley. Jerry is survived by his wife, Julie Schmidt; daughter, Jenna Mazanec, and husband Macon Mazanec; son, Jared Schmidt, and husband Ethan Salazar; grandchildren, Cole Hurley, Hannah Hurley, Maddox Mazanec, Sebastian Salazar and Mussette Salazar; his brother, Dale Schmidt and wife Glenda Schmidt; his first wife, Bambie Lane, and her daughter, Amy Mills and granddaughter Ashtin Mills. A Celebration of Life service will be held at 3pm on Sunday, November 20th, 2022, at his family’s restaurant Daddy’s Seafood Market & Cajun Kitchen on South Padre Island, Texas. Jerry wanted to be remembered as he was in life. He was one of a kind and He was so full of energy, love, compassion, humor, and courage. He will be honored by a celebration of his incredible life with all his family and friends. All of Jerry’s family and friends are welcome to attend and share their love for him in the way he wanted most. Any who would like to attend that are traveling from out of town, the family has secured accommodations at the Isla Grand Beach Resort on South Padre Island. Code 221Schmidt for blocked rooms and rates. You may sign the online guestbook, light a remembrance candle, or send words of comfort to the family of Jerry Paul Schmidt at www.thomaegarza.com. Funeral arrangements entrusted to the care of Thomae-Garza Funeral Home and Crematory, 395 S. Sam Houston, Blvd., San Benito, TX 78586.