Dr. James M. “Jim” Schmuck

After graduating from Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri with a degree in English, Jim spent more than 33 years as a teacher of English and Communications at the high school level. In addition, he was an adjunct college professor for both St. Louis University and the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where he was recognized as a Teacher of Merit by each of those institutions. He furthered his education with a Master’s Degree in English from St. Louis University, and studies abroad in English Literature at King Alfred’s College in Winchester, England and Selwyn College, Cambridge University. He ultimately earned a Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from St. Louis University.

Jim spent 34 years as a head coach in cross country and 29 years as a head coach in track and field. During that time he coached numerous state champions, as well as Olympic qualifiers. He was named National Coach of the Year in Cross Country and elected to the Missouri Cross Country and Track Coaches Hall of Fame. He has traveled throughout the country speaking on building cross country and track programs that can be successful both on the field and in the classroom.

Jim has been active in giving back to his community, and is currently a member of the National Churchill Museum Board of Governors, having served as the Senior Fellow and Chairman of the Board. He helped facilitate the merger of the National Churchill Museum with the Churchill Centre to form the International Churchill Society of North America, where he now sits on an Advisory Board for the International Churchill Society.

Jim has served the Order in various roles. He has served as Commander of Henry C. Chiles Province from 2007 to 2015, with multiple chapters awarded the Saumel Zenas Ammen and George C. Marshall Awards for Chapter Excellence in that time. Jim is also a member of the Heney C. Chiles Province Court of Honor. In 2015 at the Sesquicentennial Convention, Jim was elected to the Executive Council. During his time on the Executive Council, Jim has chaired a task force on elevating position of Province Commander, and co-chaired a task force with Former Knight Commander J. Michael Duncan on revitalizing the Forever KA program. He is also working with Councilor Sam O. Leake, Jr. on introducing an organ donor awareness program to both active chapter members and alumni organizations.