Whether it’s in the pulpit, in a meeting hall, or out-and-about in Beaumont-Wilshire, Joel Schmitz exudes caring for others, concern for the welfare of his community and country, and inquisitiveness of purpose—all balanced out by a teasing sense of humor and infectious smile.
A Portland resident since 1995, Joel earned his Masters Degree in St. Louis and served parishes in Springfield, Illinois, and Omaha, Nebraska, before moving west. For over 30 years he has served churches in Washington and Oregon. A music lover, Joel sings and plays guitar and oboe. He sang in choirs and played oboe throughout his undergrad and graduate training and also sang with the American Kantorei, which specializes in the music of Bach. Additionally, he enjoys riding his Harley motorcycle, tinkering with old cars, exploring the great outdoors, and interacting with people during travels with his wife, Deborra, a Gresham High School graduate Joel met while a student pastor in Portland. Through most of their marriage, Deborra and Joel have teamed to provide emergency shelter and foster parenting for numerous children for the State of Oregon, including four sibling foster children who were in their home for 20 years. Now “empty nesters,” the Schmitzes welcome a bit more free time in their lives.
Joel was elected to a two-year term on the Beaumont-Wilshire Neighborhood Association Board in the spring of 2014. An avid reader, he has a lot of interest in international, national, and local news. He is particularly interested in the citywide neighborhood association efforts to boost and enact appropriate building code regulations, believing strongly that zoning, residential infill, the high rate of demolitions and construction permit irregularities need substantive corrections.