JOPLIN, Mo. —
JOPLIN, Mo. - Gerald J. "Jerry" Schultz, age 95, of Joplin, Mo. passed away at 11:44 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 7, 2013, at Mercy Hospital Joplin.
Jerry was born Feb. 24, 1917, in the Borough of Queens in New York City, the son of Gerald and Anna Becker Schultz. During his formative years he worked in his Dad's butter and egg store in Forest Hills, N.Y. It was during these early years he developed a passion for meeting and joking with his father's customers. Always the clown, he was at times in conflict with his straight laced German dad, but his nurturing mom helped him mature into the jokester we all will remember. He was particularly proud of his paper route he had in his twenties while in New York, many times talking about the gangsters he delivered to. His time spent in the Boy Scouts meant a lot to him also.
Following High School graduation Jerry attended Aircraft Mechanics School at Steward Technical College. He worked during World War II on critical aerial cameras for Fairchild Camera and Instruments. It was during the World War II time that Jerry did source inspection on camera parts in Rochester, N.Y.
Jerry and his family moved to Joplin in 1961, when Fairchild purchased a building and moved five families here to operate the plant. Jerry maintained his position in purchasing through seven companies in the same building, retiring in 1982, from King Press. Also, Jerry and his wife had a few business ventures, most notably was The Needle Nook. Jerry loved to help Harriett design and setup the displays, a skill he developed during his time in his Dad's butter and egg store.
During his retirement he helped Habitat for Humanity get underway in Joplin as again a director of purchasing. Harriett and Jerry made several trips to Mexico, doing mission work. He loved working with his hands, fishing in the ocean, and clamming on the beach. He was particularly skilled at wood carving. His family was inspired by his devoted participation to exercise through Tai Chi in his later years.
Jerry was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Joplin, the Society of Mfg. Engineers, the Good Sam's Club, and the Joplin Elks Lodge.
Jerry married Harriett Donald June 19, 1943, in Rochester, N.Y. She preceded him in death on Mar. 24, 1999.
Survivors include a daughter, Nancy L. Oxford; and two sons, Don Schultz and wife, Peggy and Jim Schultz and wife, Brenda, all of Joplin; 13 grandchildren; Sara, Matthew, Mark Brian, Jason, Melody, James, Angel, Kristie, Daniel, Dominique, Bryan, and Kelly; 17 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter.
Many thanks are expressed by the family for the love and support to the personnel at Joplin Health and Rehab for their care these last months.
Services will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Mason-Woodard Chapel with Randy L. Wilson, Minister, officiating. Burial will follow in the Osborne Memorial Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9 a.m. Wednesday until the service at the Chapel.
Memorial contributions are requested to Habitat for Humanity in care of the Mortuary.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mason-Woodard Mortuary of Joplin, Mo.
Online condolences may be made at www.masonwoodard.com
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