Jim Schmader, 77, long time Bryn Mawr businessman and friend to just about everybody he met, died Tuesday February 10, 2009 at The Bryn Mawr Hospital while surrounded by his family.


Son of the late Cosmas and Catherine Foley Schmader, Jim was born in Bryn Mawr in 1931 and was a legendary figure on the Main Line-- mainly by virtue of owning and operating Schmader's Garage in Bryn Mawr with his brother Jack for over 50 years; but also because of his signature smile, pants at just about half mast (long before it was fashion) and Churchill-sized cigar; and because of his character, his love of life and his ability with people. His customers reflected the spectrum of Main Line life and history, from the old money families of North Bryn Mawr to the old time citizens of Preston Avenue. His friends were a likewise diverse group, ranging from world renown heart surgeons to captains of business and industry to celebrities to "Joe Schmoes" down the street. "Jimmy" treated all of them the same, and was adored and respected by people from every walk of life for his ability to interact with them fairly, honestly, skillfully and always with a big grin.


Jim graduated from Our Mother of Good Counsel School in Bryn Mawr, (where he remained a lifelong member of the parish), and then from West Catholic High School for Boys in 1949. By then, Jim had met the love of his life, Rosemary Tobin, and was already working hard to build Schmader's Garage into the successful enterprise it was to become. But all that was interrupted by the Korean Conflict, and Jim dutifully served as a Sergeant in the Army, first as a mechanic and later as a landing field scout and supervisor.


When he returned to civilian life, Jim was ready to do the kind of things that men like him did to build the nation we know today. Purchased a house with the help of the GI bill. Got married. Raised a family. Built a thriving business from scratch. Endured hardships and prevailed. Helped his kids get the higher education he never had the chance to get. Push the ideals of family, honor, duty to a higher level than that of the last generation. He did all of that and more in a lifetime of hard work and a lot of fun too. And good Lord, could he dance. To see Jim Schmader's face out on the dance floor was to know what true joy of living was all about.


He is survived by his beloved wife, lifetime dance and business partner Rosemary; his loving daughters Laurie Van Trieste and Lynn Forester of Bryn Mawr; his sons, Bob, of Radnor, and Barry, of Havertown. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren: AJ and Jamie Forster; Zach, Luke, and Sara Van Trieste; Jackie and Dan Schmader; and Max, Sam, and Anna Schmader; and by his buddy and first great grandchild, Anthony Forster. Jim is also survived by his brother Jack Schmader, of Bryn Mawr.


A Funeral Mass was celebrated at Our Mother of Good Counsel Church on Saturday February 14th. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery.


Those considering an expression of sympathy are encouraged to donate to Our Mother of Good Counsel Church, 31 Pennswood Rd., Bryn Mawr PA, 19010 or to Mercy Convent, 515 Montgomery Ave., Merion, PA 19066.