James is survived by his wife, Danna L. Schultz, his daughter Karla S. Wenzel and her husband Steve R. Wenzel, his son James A. Schultz and his wife Darrellene D. Schultz, and his son Brian E. Schultz. He is also survived by four grandchildren (Melissa M. Westrick and her husband Brent T. Westrick, Brandon P. Wenzel, Julia L. Schultz, and James W. Schultz), and one great grandson Dominic A.R. Wenzel.
James (Jim) Schultz lived an exemplary life, distinguished by military service, law enforcement, telecommunications employment, union stewardship, and community service.
He was born in rural Barberton, Ohio and was raised in a modest home with six siblings. He married his high school sweetheart Danna, and together they built a loving family and a prosperous life. His family and friends remember him as a humble and generous man who was always ready with a corny joke, homespun wisdom, and a kind heart.
He proudly enlisted in the Army in 1968 to fight for his country in the Vietnam war. He served 18 months in Vietnam, living out of an armored personal carrier. His mobile unit engaged in fierce battles for which he received the prestigious Combat Infantry Badge. Recently, he was thrilled to be honored by the Central Valley Honor Flight with a trip to Washington D.C. to thank him for his military service.
In 1966, Jim was employed by Ohio Bell in Akron, Ohio, shortly after graduating from high school. In 1978, he transferred to Pacific Bell in Fresno, California. He worked for a total of 32 years and retired as Test Technician. In addition, he proudly served as a union steward and vice president for the local Communication Workers of America (CWA) union. He was honored with AT&T’s Vail Silver Medal Award for his act of bravery in which he rescued a man from a burning car.
Jim was dedicated to public service and the high calling of law enforcement and peace keeping. He volunteered as a reserve sheriff for a remarkable 50 years! He started in Ohio as a reserve with the Portage Country Sheriff’s Office and much the of the 50 years he served the people of California as a reserve with the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office where he rose to the rank of Captain. In 1988, he was awarded the department’s Medal of Valor for his bravery in rescuing a citizen trapped in a burning, vehicle, rollover accident. He was recently honored by the Fresno County Sheriff’s Office for his 50 years of service to the community.
Jim donated countless hours to many different charities. These include the United Way, Poverello House, and the Telephone Pioneers. His legacy is heroism, humility and a helping hand.
