James Vannerburg Schulz

James V. Schulz, born in Burlington, Iowa on Sunday, March 5, 1933, to Ewald and Isabelle Schulz. He was the third child born to his parents. Arlene, his sister, was eight years old, Margery was five. Margery passed away at age fifty from cancer. Jim's family moved to Downers Grove, Illinois in 1941, where he grew up. In high school Jim played football, basketball, and ran track. In 1951, five days after graduation, he enlisted in the US Navy.

Jim served in the US Navy during the Korean War aboard the USS Markab AD21 and the USS Mullany DD528. It was during the WESTPAC Deployment that the Mullany undertook some difficult assignments, such as escorting National Chinese convoys "under fire" from the islands of Quemoy and Matsu in the Pacific, visiting ports all over the southern Pacific and Orient to show the flag, and participating in stormy patrols in the China Seas and Formosa Straits. Jim's general quarters battle station was Pointer on number one five inch mount.

After discharge from the Navy Jim went to work for American Airlines. Jim was hired as a Baggage Handler and proceeded to rise through the ranks to Manager of Operations Planning. While working at American Airlines he met his future wife Ann. She worked in communications; Jim was aware of her but never spoke to her other than in passing. One night he went to a party at Ann's apartment, however she was working and wasn't there. The party was boring so he and his friend left. As he was walking across the street to his car, Ann pulled up and went in to her apartment. Jim looked at his friend and said, "Let's go back and give it another try." He started talking to Ann and they hit it off and began dating. The rest is history.

During his career, he and his family live in Cicero (where his daughter Tracy was born), Oak Park, Schaumburg (where his daughter Kelly and son Jimmy were born), Danbury, Connecticut, and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

After retirement from American Airlines, Jim began doing things he never had time to while working. He drove the Tulsa Zoo Train until he was seventy years old. He performed in American Theatre Company's production of 'A Christmas Carol' six years. He had roles in five musicals produced by Asbury Summer Musicals. He also was a supernumerary actor in five of Tulsa Opera's productions. He competed in the Master's Division in weight lifting, and coached Junior High School Football. He mentored a young lad at Columbus Elementary School for two years. Jim was a member of Asbury Methodist Church. He was a singer in Asbury Singing Ambassador Choir. He was an usher at Asbury as well.

He is survived by his three children, Tracy, Kelly, and Jimmy and daughter in law Tammy; three grandchildren, Tyler, Danielle, and Meagan; great grandchildren, Ataly, Everly, Raelynn; ; sister Arlene; brother in law Duane; sisters in law, Gloria and Susan; many nieces, nephews, and cousins who were all very dear to him.

A casual celebration of Life will be held from 12:00 - 4:00pm, on Saturday May 28, 2022, 11622 N 150th Collinsville, OK with a time to share stories and fellowship with friends and family.