James R. Schultz

SCHULTZ, James Ralph
Of Kalamazoo
James Ralph Schultz, 87, of Kalamazoo, sailed into the setting sun with Jesus by his side on the evening of November 2, 2010, at Rose Arbor Hospice, in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Jim "Schultzie" Schultz was born, at home, July 27, 1923, in Point Place, OH, to Ralph J. and Marie K. Gould Schultz. Jim graduated from Waite High School Toledo and received a B.S.M.E. degree from Toledo University. He served his country in WWII as an electrician's mate, US Navy, aboard the U.S.S. Roberts, a destroyer escort stationed in the South Pacific from July 1943 through May 1946. Following his war service, Jim courted and then married Harriet Sun on January 29, 1949. From 1949 to 1971, Jim worked as a mechanical engineer and sales representative for Bunting Brass & Bronze in Toledo OH, St. Louis MO, Philadelphia PA, and Kalamazoo MI. After the Schultzes moved to the "Lake House" on Lake Erie in LaSalle MI, he became an executive at PTX-Pentronix, Inc., in Lincoln Park MI. Jim retired from PTX in 1988 as Vice President and Sales Manager, although he continued his work as a consultant to the company for several years. Throughout his life, Jim was an accomplished sailor on Gull Lake Kalamazoo, Lake Erie, and in and around the gulf coast of Florida. His collection of trophies and race flags was extensive. Jim was also associated with Rotary International, Lions Clubs International, the Elks, Wally's Gang, and North Cape Yacht Club. He attended First Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo. Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Harriet Sun Schultz, and his siblings Clayton Schultz, Lillian Hadley, and Nancy Schultz. He is survived by his daughters: Sandra Schultz Mengel of Grosse Pointe Park, MI; Suzanne Schultz Mellinger Todd W. of Kalamazoo, MI; and Nancy Marie Kuehn Udo of Holland, OH; his three grandchildren: Meredith M. Hackett Michael J., Celia C. Mengel, and Cameron J. Mellinger; and his sister Marguerite Hall. A private family service was held on November 4, 2010, in Kalamazoo, MI. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Jim's honor may be made to Hospice Care of Southwest Michigan, 222 N. Kalamazoo Mall, Suite 100, Kalamazoo, MI 49007-3882, or to North Cape Sailing School, c/o North Cape Yacht Club, 11850 Toledo Beach Road, LaSalle, MI 48145. Please visit www.langelands.com for obituary, guestbook, memories and condolences for the family.