James Elmer Schultz

James Elmer Schultz

February 19, 1933 – March 2, 2018

James Elmer Schultz was born on February 19, 1933 to Elmer and Esther Schultz in Chicago, Illinois. He was the oldest of 3 children. Jim’s father died while Jim was in his early teens.  Jim then took on the role of provider, and went to work to help support his mother and 2 sisters, Joanne and Lavergne. He met the love of his life, Florence Marotta, while in high school and married her on June 7, 1953 at their young ages: he 20 and she just 18. They moved to Alaska where he served our country in the United States Army. There, their first child was born, a daughter, Laura. Upon completion of his service, Jim and Florence moved their new family to California, where they remained, and had 6 more children: daughter Debora, son James, twin sons David and Daniel, daughter Mary Jo, and son Donald. Jim was a dedicated father, took his role as provider seriously, and considered it his highest responsibility, working as many as 3 jobs at a time in order to support his family. While raising his family and working, he also returned to school and earned his AA degree at Long Beach Community College. He eventually ventured into business for himself and opened his custom upholstery shop where he worked daily (except on Sundays) until this past November at the age of 84.

Jim is survived by his loving wife, 7 children, 20 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren, his youngest sister and her family, those who knew him and called him friend, and those who worked for him.

Jim’s life will be celebrated at a funeral Mass at St. Pancratius Catholic Church in Lakewood, California, on Saturday, March 10, 2018 at 10:00 a.m.

Luyben Dilday Mortuary (562) 425-6401