James David Schuck

James David “JD” Schuck, 75, of Bakersfield, California, passed away on October 1, 2026.

James was born and raised in Bakersfield, the son of Russell and Madge Schuck. He attended Harding Elementary School, Compton Junior High School, and graduated from East Bakersfield High School in 1969.

James had a lifelong love of the outdoors and had been hunting since he was a young man. He also enjoyed fishing and had an appreciation for classic cars.

For decades, James proudly worked as a locomotive engineer for Southern Pacific Railroad until his retirement in 1991. Being a railroad man was an important part of who he was, but the things that mattered most to James were always found closer to home.

James was the family chef, especially known for his barbecue and the holiday dinners that brought everyone together. The smell of his cooking, the sound of his laughter, and the comfort of having him there became part of what home meant to his family.

He was endlessly curious and seemed to know something about almost everything. His daughters lovingly considered him their “walking encyclopedia.” If they had a question, Daddy usually had an answer.

James was easy to talk to, caring, fiercely protective of the people he loved, and somehow both strong and sensitive at the same time. He was a fun and loyal friend who showed up when someone needed him. He was an avid Dodgers fan, loved his family deeply, and found happiness in the simple things that made life good.

Above everything else, his daughters, Jueli and Jaimi, were the light of his life. His love for them, and later for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, was immeasurable. He never let his babies leave without reminding them how much they were loved. Whenever they said, “I love you,” his answer was always the same:

“I love you, more.”

Those words became more than something James said. They became a promise, a family tradition, and a reminder of a love that will continue long after goodbye.

James is survived by his beloved daughters, Jueli (Mark), and Jaimi; his grandchildren, Brandon and Alexandria (Sebastian); his great-grandchildren, Hailyn, Decklan, and Deegan; his brother, Thomas, and sister-in-law, Liz; and many nieces, nephews, family members, and friends who loved him dearly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Madge Schuck, and his brother, Karl Schuck.

Those who knew James will remember his humor, his friendship, his cooking, his love for animals and the outdoors, and the way he made the people he loved feel safe and cared for. His family will remember something even simpler: he was Daddy, Papa, Big Papa, brother, uncle, and friend, and life was better because he was in it.

A graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 10:30 a.m.

And in the quiet moments when we miss him most, we hope we will still hear his familiar answer:

“I love you, more.”