From a Blue Stars press release:
On Wednesday, Aug. 3, Blue Stars alum Jim Schultz passed away. A one-man institution in the La Crosse community and the Blue Stars organization for the past 30 years, Schulz is probably best remembered for putting together the 1984 reunion of the corps members and staff that helped revitalize the organization during a difficult time period.
Executive director Greg Struve said, “The outpouring of grief that the organization has seen this week is testament to Jim’s, passion and charisma. He was a man with a limitless heart and a deep, earnest desire to see the corps achieve excellence. He’ll be sorely missed.”
Business manager Steve Stueck is one of many currently involved in the organization who marched with Jim in the late 1970s. Stueck said, “There was no person who put more effort into what he was doing when he marched. He didn’t have the most talent, but he had a work ethic that was second to none.”
Alum Mike Piskel said, “Jim was not only an icon for the Blue Stars, he was an icon for all of drum corps. When I first met/joined the corps in Allentown, Pa., on first tour in ’78, I took one look at the intensity of Jim as he practiced and I knew I was in the big time. Jim was to the Blue Stars and drum corps what Mt. Everest is to Mountains, one heck of a rock.”
Corps founder David Kampschroer said, “May we all reflect on what a wonderful human being we have lost and ask for the Lord’s blessings to become one-half the person Jim portrayed throughout his far too brief time on this Earth.”
Visitation will be on Sunday, Aug. 7, from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral home, 200 West Ave. So., La Crosse, WI 54601 (608.782.1252).
A memorial service will be held Monday, Aug. 8 at 10:30 a.m. at the St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 2006 Weston St., La Crosse, WI 54601.
Jim is survived by wife Kristy and two daughters, Elizabeth and Sudha.
A section has been set aside for memories, stories and other posts regarding Jim on the Blue Stars Web site.
