On May 25, an unusual biological event occurred in the skies over Sisters, Oregon. Contrary to seasonal migration, thousands of Greater and Lesser Canada, Snow, and White-fronted geese flew in a chevron formation for hours to pay tribute to the passing of one of their great benefactors and adversaries, Jim Schulz. Though he may have taken a few of their numbers over the years for culinary delights (he loved to prepare such gourmet meals as Harney Hilton Goose Gumbo, Teriyaki Grilled Goose Breast, and Polish Goose Sausage), Jim was a passionate defender of the birds, as illustrated by his tireless efforts with Ducks Unlimited. He worked hard to protect, maintain, and expand wetland habitat for North American waterfowl populations. In his later years, sitting in a duck blind with his sons watching the sunrise over Malheur Lake was more important than bagging his limit.

If you think you MIGHT have met Jim sometime, you would be wrong, because you would definitely remember such a meeting. He was that memorable. To say that he was a character would be a stretch, but to say he had character would be a bonafide fact. Jim Schulz exemplified the word “integrity”. He walked through life with a large “I” on his back. You knew that as soon as you met him.

James Gordon Schulz was born in a small, single-story farmhouse on Jan. 12, 1929, to Robert and Alvina Schulz. He spent his youth on a farm just a few miles northwest of Froid, Mont. Under the watchful eyes of his two uncles and older brother, Jim learned to hunt, fish, and love the outdoors. Graduating from high school in 1947, Jim became the first and only member of his family to attend college. He enrolled that autumn at Montana State University (now the University of Montana) in Missoula. Jim graduated in 1952 with a BS degree in pharmacy and an unwavering loyalty to his favorite sports team, the Montana Grizzlies. During his last year in college, he found Irene Padgett, a beautiful, whipsmart nursing student enrolled in St. Patrick’s School of Nursing also in Missoula. They met on a blind date and danced into each other’s hearts. Soon after, Jim received a letter from Uncle Sam requesting his presence for military service in the Army. While on leave, Jim and Irene were married in February 1953. One week later, he was shipped overseas where he completed his tour of duty, returning stateside in 1954. Jim and Irene soon settled down, started a family, and began a life of community service.

First impressions can sometimes be misleading, but never in the case of Jim. He was articulate, insightful, and honest. He was kind, intelligent, and damn likable. Jim was a genuine son of the soil, the product of Eastern Montana dryland wheat farmers, a claim of which he was supremely proud. People trusted him, and in doing so, put him in leadership positions throughout his long life. He excelled at collaboration and organization. Every community he served benefited from his vision and presence.

Jim and Irene moved to Drummond, Mont., in 1960 where they owned and operated the Drummond Pharmacy for the next 18 years. While residing in Drummond, Jim and Irene enthusiastically wove themselves into the fabric of the town, valley, and county.

Jim ran for and was elected mayor of Drummond, served on the Drummond School Board, and was active in Kiwanis as president and secretary. He served as Cub Scout Pack Master, mentoring several youth in Drummond. Jim could also be found responding to a call for help. As the siren sounded, he would close up the drugstore and jump on a fire engine as a volunteer firefighter. Jim often quipped that between him and the other firefighters, there wasn’t a foundation they couldn’t save.

Jim was instrumental in starting a trap club in Drummond where he shot trap religiously, winning several trophies locally and eventually becoming a Class C Singles Montana State Champion. Some of you may not know about Jim’s drumming talent. He could be found tapping out the rhythm for Corrie’s Cats, a legendary dance band that provided music for street dances, various celebrations, and countless functions in the Drummond area. Jim was active in Grand Lodge as a Mason, moving up the officer ranks to attain the position of Deputy Grand Master. He was also the Worshipful Master for Ruby Lodge No. 36 in Drummond. Jim was a commander in the American Legion, helping host several rodeos, barbecues, and other events. As president of the Montana Pharmaceutical Association, Jim lobbied tirelessly to get a continuing education program passed into law, an accomplishment of which he was most proud.

Jim and Irene sold their store in 1978 and moved to Tualatin to become partners in a small drugstore chain. While living there, Jim was very active in the Tualatin Methodist Church and became a certified lay speaker. This allowed him the opportunity to travel to small towns that did not have a minister and lead services for the day.

In 1985, Jim, Irene, and their youngest son, Rob, moved again, this time to Burns/Hines. It was here that Jim and Irene would stay put for the next 30 years. Jim finished out his pharmacy career at the Safeway Pharmacy in Burns. Desiring to invest himself in the community and also find some people to hunt with, Jim became active in Ducks Unlimited (DU). In the years he was involved, Jim and others made the Burns Chapter one of the most successful chapters in Oregon. He was awarded DU Chairman of the Year during this time.

Jim also continued to be religiously active, joining the Pioneer Presbyterian Church. On occasion, you could find him behind the pulpit delivering the Sunday sermon.

Jim espoused a sense of do-it-yourself initiative. He was a talented woodworker and built houses, kitchen cabinets, and furniture. His legacy of wooden wonders can be found in the homes of his children, friends, and acquaintances. One of the beneficiaries of his talent was the Burns PEO chapter. He would make a hope chest every year for their annual fundraising auction.

Jim had a wicked wit, lovingly endured for 66 years by his wife, Irene the Ironwoman. He had an endless supply of “Ole and Lena” jokes and reveled in a good prank. Appropriate quips perfectly timed were his forte and followed him to the end. Shortly before he passed, when asked his name, he replied, “Puddintane. Ask me again, and I’ll tell you the same.”

Jim was known for many memorable sayings, including several German curses learned from his bachelor uncles. He created unique and colorful epithets for a particular Homelite chainsaw that he battled for years. None of which can be printed, but remain firmly seared into the frontal lobes of his three children. In addition, he counseled with, “Never underestimate your capacity to forgive,” and “You make your own heaven on earth.” Wise words from one who lived a long, rich, fulfilling, and interesting life.

Jim was more than a good man. He built and modeled his life on four distinct pillars: family, empathy, integrity, and service. Jim was an exemplary role model to all who knew him. He honored his wife as an equal partner in all aspects of their marriage, childrearing, business, and community service. He loved her fiercely and was publicly affectionate until his final days. He was a hero to his children and always supported their often circuitous pathways to success. Jim always had a ready smile, helping hand, and kind word to say. He lives on in the hearts of all those he loved and who loved him.

Jim is survived by his wife, Irene of Sisters; sons, Jim of Helena, Mont., and Rob (Christina) of Sisters; daughter, Sue Ann Lund (Ross) of Poulsbo, Wash.; granddaughters, West Point graduates, Johänna and Clara Lund; and nieces, Laurel Hastings and Maggie Caffyn.

Jim drew breath for almost 91 years, so it is no surprise that he outlived his parents; uncles; aunts; cousins; older brother, Bob; and older sister, Lorraine.

A memorial celebration honoring the life of James G. Schulz will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, Sept.14, at the Pioneer Presbyterian Church in Burns.