Jim 'Jimmy' Schulz, 51

Jim “Jimmy” Schulz, 51, “passed to his well-earned reward” on April 7, 2011, after a short battle with cancer.

He survived after diagnosis long enough to see the birth of his first granddaughter, Kloey, and to celebrate her first birthday with her. He also participated in his elder daughter’s wedding and saw her enrolled in college.

Jim was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on Aug. 3, 1959, to Walter and Helga Schulz. He was raised there and points west in Canada, until he emigrated to the United States, chasing his love of sky-diving.

He met and fell in love with Carol Boulwere during 1983. They became husband and wife in 1985. Carol brought with her a son, Jeremy. They were blessed with two daughters, Samantha and Serena. Carol and Jim divorced in 1996, but they remained united as parents to the children.

Jim and his longtime friend, Linda Hand, were housemates and devoted companions since 2005. She brought two sons, Cory and David, and one daughter, Bonnie, to the family, as well as six grandchildren. Five more were added in the ensuing six years.

Jim was known as Mr. Fixit, a master “jimmy-rigger” to nearly everyone he met, and there are few older structures in Marion that don’t have his handiwork somewhere in them. He was an elegant electrician, fearless framer, capable carpenter, pleasant plumber and mindful mechanic. He also worked as a bartender, a tow-truck operator, and an autobody repair technician.

Jim is survived by his parents, Walter and Helga; a sister, Monika; two brothers, John and David; his companion, Linda; daughter, Samantha, and her husband, Michael; daughter, Serena, and her partner, Kendrick; stepsons, Jeremy, Cory and David; stepdaughter, Bonnie; granddaughter, Kloey; chosen grandchildren, Christopher, Kymber, Layne, Daniel, Henry, Simon, Olive, Raelyn, Daymen and Jazmyn; plus many aunts, uncles and cousins.

He will be sorely missed by his many friends in the Flathead, especially in Marion.

There will be a celebration of his love of life at the Rail Line Tavern in Marion later this spring.

Memorials may be sent to the Flathead Food Bank, the American Cancer Society, or the Flathead Chapter of Wings.