John Schimmoller, partner and COO of Huntertown, IN-based Certified Marketing Consultants, passed away suddenly on Dec. 18. He was 59.

“We are shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of John,” said Jamie Watson, partner at Certified Marketing Consultants. “His kindness and patience made him an amazing advisor, but also a dear friend. You rarely heard John say anything negative. He was a kind soul who would give you the shirt off his back. Thoughtful, intelligent and good-natured, he always gave people the benefit of the doubt. We feel privileged to have worked alongside him.”

Jeff Meyer, also a partner at Certified Marketing Consultants expressed his remorse, “I have known and worked with John and his beloved wife for 30 years. He was an incredible person and cherished friend. He will be missed but not forgotten until we meet again.”

A 30-year industry veteran, the Ohio native was a well-known partner of many distributors and suppliers, said ASI President & CEO Tim Andrews. “John had a keen sense of what was important and what wasn’t, and delivered his insights without fluff or trying to be the center of attention,” Andrews said. “I’ll miss his calm, professional presence and extend my condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.”

An avid hunter, fisherman and sportsman, Schimmoller enjoyed anything that involved being outdoors. He was an Eagle Scout and a member of both the National Rifle Association and the Fort Wayne Rifle Club.

Schimmoller is survived by his wife of 34 years, Mary-Ellen; his daughter Amber Mahaffey-Harris (Erik Harris) and sons Dylan Mahaffey and Ethan Schimmoller; his sister Tamra Ummel (Greg); and three grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life memorial service will be at held at 5 p.m. on Dec. 27 at Feller and Clark Funeral Home, 1860 Center Street, Auburn, IN. The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service from 2 to 5 p. m. Memorials can be given in John’s name to St. Martin’s Health Services in Garrett, IN. To send flowers and condolences, visit www.fellerandclark.com.