Col. {Ret} James D. Schultz

Col. (Ret.) James D. Schultz, of Monrovia, MD., died unexpectedly Thursday, May 22, 2008. He was born on Dec. 11, 1925 in Buffalo, NY and graduated from Buffalo Technical High School. He earned the Bronze Star as an infantryman in WWII serving with the 387th Infantry, 97th Division in the European Theater. While serving as part of the occupation force in Japan, he earned promotion to Staff Sergeant.

After the war, he graduated from the University of Maryland, was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Signal Corps, later serving two tours in Vietnam.

He retired from the US Army after 35 years in 1979. His awards and decorations included the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star (4), Meritorious Service Medal (2), Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and various campaign awards, as well as the Combat Infantryman's Badge, of which he was particularly proud. Col. Schultz was twice elected to the College Park City Council. He was a member of American Legion Post 191, the Military Order of World Wars, life member of the UM Alumni Association and Delta Tau Delta, and served as a patient advocate for the FDA and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group. He played the lead role in the creation and completion of the College Park Airport Museum and founded the Field of Firsts Foundation to raise funds to sustain it.

Col. Schultz is survived by his wife of 58 years, Margaret (Ginny) V. Schultz (nee Nicholas), his son, Col. (Ret.) James D. (Karen) Schultz, Jr., daughters Jo A. Schultz (Michael Brian) and Janet (Martin) White. Also survived by his grandson, Derek A. J. Schultz.

Visitation: See above

Services: Funeral Service with full military honors to be held at Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations to Field of Firsts Foundation 1909 Cpl. Frank S. Scott Dr., College Park, MD. 20740 graciously appreciated.