Jim Schultz, 62, was Beloved Napa Teacher

Jim Schultz, 62, a popular teacher for many years, died May 15, 2011 of complications from cancer.

He instructed seventh and eighth graders in math and wood shop, said Silverado principal Mike Mansuy.

Schultz started teaching at Silverado in 1977 and worked there until 1986, when he left to operate his own construction business in Napa.

He returned to Silverado in 1993 and remained a teacher there until his death.

Schultz’s wife Anny described her husband as a dedicated teacher who had a lot of friends.

“Jim really gave a lot of himself to the kids. They have started a Facebook page where many kids have posted their feelings for him,” she said. “It shows how the students felt about him.”

His wife remembers that Schultz had high expectations for his students.’
“But he understood what kids are going through. He was there to teach and motivate them,” she said.

“Jim was not the kind of guy to wait around for things to happen. If he wanted something, he went after it."

Patty Wyman, Schultz’s sister-in-law, teaches a leadership class at Silverado.

“I knew Jim for about 20 years. He had a way with kids. What was great about him was he lived in the practical world, and as a general contractor brought his math and woodwork skills to the classroom,” Wyman said.

She said her brother-in-law returned to teaching because he was “a natural born teacher.

“Jim was an unselfish person. And for him it wasn’t all about teaching: The community, staff and his friends were a huge part of his life. There is a wonderful camaraderie among the community,” Wyman said.

“He was a huge part of the Silverado community.”

Wyman said at the school “Jim was the go-to guy. He was a loyal true friend. If anyone needed him, he was there for them.”

Wyman also recalls Schultz’s love of cooking: “He was a great chef.

“The man was also hilarious,” she added. “He always had a story.”

Mansuy and Schultz were old comrades: “I also taught at Silverado Middle School with Jim before becoming the principal,” Mansuy said, adding, “we go back a ways.”

Mansuy remembers his friend and colleague as a man “who was fun to be around, always had a smile and great sense of humor.”

Mansuy also praised Schultz’s way with kids.

“The special thing about Jim was he never gave up on any  child. No matter what behavioral problems the student was experiencing, Jim also had hope the child could work his way clear,” Mansuy said.

Mansuy believes Schultz’s wood shop class helped the lives of some of Silverado's more challenging students.

“Many of those kids would sign up for his class. They really enjoyed it and were very good at it,” he said.

Mansuy also recalled how Schultz never wanted to know any problems the students entering his 8th grade class may have experienced in their previous year at the school.

“He wanted them all to know they started his class with a blank slate,” Mansuy said.

Mansuy said Schultz enjoyed traveling with his wife.

“He also loved to attend local musical activities and spend his free time outdoors,” he said. “He and I used to go abalone diving.”

Mansuy said on Monday, the day following Schultz's death, the school provided counselors for students and staff.

“The students spent time writing letters and making posters for Schultz’s family.

“It’s such a sad thing for all of us who knew and loved Jim,” Mansuy added.

Schultz was born in St. Mary’s, Idaho. He moved to Napa when he accepted the job at Silverado Middle School.

In addition to his wife, Anny, he leaves behind his children, Kim, Natalie and Mathew; three step-children, Liane, Garrett and Lynnsey and three grandchildren.

At the family’s request, services will be private.