James “Jim” Allen Schultz, age 70 of Sun Prairie, WI (formerly Fort Atkinson, WI), passed away on Saturday, January 27 at his home with his family by his side following a 5 year hard-fought battle with large granular lymphocytic (LGL) leukemia and the many complications that came along with it.
Jim was born on May 15, 1953 in Columbus, WI, son of the late Leslie and Isabel (Lee) Schultz. Jim married Joan (Joni) Shea on May 9, 1981 at St. Bernard’s Catholic Church in Watertown, WI. In 1983 they moved to Fort Atkinson, WI where they settled and welcomed their five children together, Gabe, Abby, Elliott, Noah, and Hannah. His love for his family was truly unmatched and he treasured any and all family time.
Jim dabbled in farming, construction, manufacturing and insurance sales prior to finding his long career working at Badger Bank in Fort Atkinson, WI. Jim was head of the insurance division as the managing agent and was an integral member of the Badger Bank team. In 1990, he and Joni opened up Shooting Star Daycare Center in Fort Atkinson, WI. Shortly thereafter they realized the need for a before & after school childcare center and opened up the School Age Club (SAC) at Barrie Elementary to provide wrap around care as well as full day childcare during the summer. They then expanded and opened up another Shooting Star Daycare Center in Jefferson, WI. Jim loved getting to know numerous families within the community through these childcare centers, many of which led to life-long friendships.
Jim lived a full, enthusiastic, and inspiring life. He was a jack of all trades and shared countless invaluable life lessons throughout his time “on the right side of the grass,” as he would say. His contagious and uplifting energy brought a smile to all those he interacted with. In fact, he loved to walk through the grocery store Every. Single. Day. just so he could positively engage and make small talk with others. Jim loved to cook and was always planning ahead as to what he could make for his family next. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved fishing, hunting, and riding his Harley Davidson. He also loved his Arturo Fuente cigars and you would know how well he was feeling any given day based on whether or not he could make it outside for a cigar. Other hobbies of Jim’s, especially later in life when he was no longer able to do some of the things he once could, were playing cards, making jerky, and watching Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives.
Jim will be deeply missed by his wife, Joni, their children Gabe (Sara) Schultz of Hudson, WI, Abby (Josh) Sundquist of Minneapolis, MN, Noah (Amanda) Schultz of Lubbock, TX, and Hannah (Mark) Wolfram of Oconomowoc, WI and Jim’s oldest son Anthony (Amy-Bradley) Schultz of Beaver Dam, WI. Jim adored his little “Grands” Elizabeth and Elliott Schultz, Harrison Sundquist, Lane Schultz and Grayson and Emmett Wolfram and his not so little grandchildren Adrianna and AnnaSophia Schultz, Amaya Bradley and Shadow Keen who will all miss their “Gramps” dearly. He is also survived by his brother Gene (Judy) Schultz; brothers/sisters-in-law Madelyn Shea, Patti (Bruce) Cassel, Michael Shea, Daniel (Kathy) Shea, Mary (John) Zimmermann, Kathy (Jim) Vergenz, Brian (Audra) Shea, and Tina (Michael) Minnich; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents; son Elliott Schultz; daughter Dawn Fellner; in-laws Bernard and Dolores Shea; brothers-in-law Timothy Shea, Ronald Shea, and Bill Berger; sisters-in-law Cheryl Berger and Kristine Shea; and nephew Beau Zimmermann.
A celebration of Jim’s life will be held at Heartland Church of Sun Prairie, WI on Friday, February 23 at 12 pm. A visitation will begin at 10 am and continue until the time of the service. Luncheon to follow. A private burial will take place on Saturday, February 24 at St. Joseph Cemetery in Fort Atkinson, WI.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Chris Fletcher and Hayley Kiander, RN from the UW Carbone Cancer Center for their exceptional care, kindness, advocacy, and support throughout Jim’s courageous fight. They would also like to thank the Agrace Hospice staff for their supportive care during these last six months. Lastly, we would like to thank our family and friends for their unconditional love and support over the years.
Dunlap Memorial Home in Fort Atkinson is assisting the family.
James “Jim” Allen Schultz
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