James "Jim" Michael Schultz

James “Jim” Michael Schultz was born on March 29th, 1951, in Herington, Kansas, to his parents, Adolf and Jane “Jean” (Evans) Schultz. Jim was a 1970 graduate of Herington High School. Jim was united in marriage to Charlotte Lynn Dittman on October 4th, 1975, at St. John’s Lutheran Church Lyons Creek, Herington, Kansas.

Jim was an avid family man who attended all his children’s and grandchildren’s school activities, sporting and music events, and other important milestones. When he wasn’t cheering on his family or generously volunteering with Neighbors to Neighbors, he could be found fishing, hunting, and enjoying vintage cars. Jim loved to watch his sports teams: KU, the Kansas City Royals, and the Kansas City Chiefs. He loved to reminisce and share his musical taste with his grandchildren, and would often sing whatever song popped into his head or what was on the radio. Jim was also known as one of The Coffee Shop Guys at the Agri-Trails Coop in Hope after his retirement.

At the age of 16, he lost his father and immediately began working while still attending school to help provide for his mother and younger siblings, giving him a strong work ethic and turning him into the positive role model he was. Jim dedicated 35 years of his life to the Navarre Union Coop, which later became North Central Kansas Coop, and eventually retired from Agri Trails Coop. He often visited and shared his knowledge with workers for years after his retirement. Faith was central to Jim’s life. Serving as a Church Elder, he was an active member at St. John’s Lutheran Church Lyons Creek. He never knew a stranger and fostered a genuine connection with everyone he met through his humor, wit, and overall kindness.

Jim, at the age of 74, passed away on September 24th, 2025, in Topeka, Kansas. Jim is survived by his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Charlotte Schultz of Hope; his children: Stacy (Matt) Schadegg of Wamego, Jodi (Darwin) Gingerich of Moundridge, and Chad (Jaclyn) Schultz of Ozawkie; his nine grandchildren: Gracie, Madilyn, Ella, Gavin, Sophia, Henry, Nicholas, Millie, and Bristol; brothers: Gordon (Alice) Schultz, Pete (Gloria) Schultz, and Eric (Patty) Schultz; sisters: Susie (Larry) Biehler, and Berry (Glenn) Wendt. Jim is preceded in death by his father, Adolf; mother, Jean; and stepfather, Henry Shinn.

Visitation for Jim will be held on Wednesday, October 1st, 2025, from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Yazel Megli Funeral Home, Herington, Kansas. Funeral Service will be on Thursday, October 2nd, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church Lyons Creek, Herington, KS, with burial to follow at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery. Memorial contributions in Jim’s name may be directed to St. John’s Lutheran Church Lyons Creek, Herington or to Neighbors to Neighbors, in care of the funeral home. Please sign his online guestbook and leave a memory of Jim at www.yazelmeglifh.com.