After receiving his doctorate from the University of Wisconsin in 1969, John began his 36-year career at PPPL, retiring in 2005, focusing on the design of cutting-edge facilities for magnetic fusion research. Schmidt's early work included the design of controls for a superconducting plasma confinement system. He later headed the physics group for the Tokamak Fusion Test Reactor, which set world records for producing plasma heat and fusion power while operating from 1982 to 1997. Schmidt then led the advanced projects department, including the National Compact Stellarator Experiment, an innovative fusion facility that included some of the most complex electromagnets ever designed.

As head of the applied physics division, his team contributed many of the conceptual designs for ITER, the world's largest magnetic facility now under construction in France. Under Schmidt, PPPL also collaborated with South Korean researchers on the design of K-STAR, an advanced fusion device that began operating in South Korea in 2008. In 1996, Schmidt was named interim PPPL director, successfully leading PPPL through a transition from large fusion power producing experiments to smaller, less expensive plasma research facilities, including the National Spherical Torus Experiment. Schmidt's research and papers also analyzed the penetration of fusion power into the commercial market and wind energy as a source of power. Interested in broader applications of plasmas, he received a patent on the use of plasmas to sterilize bottles during manufacturing.

Ron Davidson, who directed PPPL from 1991 to 1996 said, "John's seminal contributions to fusion science and technology can only be described in superlative terms. His remarkable leadership skills and technical acumen played a critical role in shaping research programs at the Laboratory for several decades. He will be sorely missed by his many friends and colleagues at PPPL and in the Princeton community."

John Schmidt enjoyed fishing, cross-country skiing, rooting for the New York Yankees, and honing his skills as a master cabinetmaker. Still, among all his accomplishments, his most endearing and enduring legacy may be his kind and generous gift of friendship to so many around the globe. Former PPPL Deputy Director Dale Meade commented, "His calm, steady hand, dry wit and thoroughly considered judgment made him someone people really enjoyed working with." Former PPPL director Rob Goldston added, "As a manager, John brought crisp scientific and engineering insight to every problem - from which we all learned. As a leader, he brought composure and kindness - from which we all benefited."

He is survived by his wife, Helen Wise; and son, Michael, of Newark, DE; five stepchildren; seven grandchildren; a brother, Robert; two nieces and a nephew,

A memorial service will held on Saturday, March 9 at 11 a.m. at Nassau Presbyterian Church, 61 Nassau Street, Princeton, New Jersey.

Messages of condolence for the family may be sent via Dale Meade: dmeade@pppl.gov

Memorial gifts may be made to Cancer Institute of NJ Foundation, 120 Albany St., Tower 2, 2nd floor, New Brunswick, NJ 08901 or online, cinj.org; or Fox Chase Cancer Foundation, Attn: Development Office, 333 Cottman Ave., Philadelphia, PA 19111, or online at fccc.edu.