James T. Schulte

James T. Schulte, 70, commonly known by friends as “Red”, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 27, 2021 from complications of a stroke.

Jim was born Sept. 19, 1950 in Cincinnati, Ohio, the son of Joseph A. and Marguerite “Peg” Schulte of St. Joseph (now deceased). He is survived by his son, Thomas (Ashley) Schulte and his grandson, Eddie Schulte of Benton Harbor; brothers, Joseph M. (Janet) Schulte of Stevensville and David J. (Shirley) Schulte of Summerville, S.C.; sister, Peggy Ann (Ray) Storey of Sebastian, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews: John, Kristen, Matthew, Nichole, and Raelin.

Jim graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School in 1968 and held numerous automotive-related jobs over the years. He was a master mechanic who worked at Goodyear Tire in Benton Harbor and also as a school bus mechanic for River Valley School District. For a couple of years he owned a Shell Gas Station in St. Joseph on Main Street across from Zitta’s Grill, and for a number of years he was a mechanic and service manager for Don Sprung Chevrolet in Berrien Springs. For a dozen years he owned and operated the Southwest Michigan Pool League and enjoyed taking his winning teams to Las Vegas to compete in the United States 8 Ball Championships. In his later years he was a long-distance truck driver and also worked for Steel Warehouse in South Bend. Throughout all those years he used his personal garage to work on vehicles for friends and relatives.

He enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson motorcycles and made a couple of cross country trips to California. Jim had numerous dogs as pets and loved all animals, especially Yoda. Jim had a great personality and loved everyone he encountered. He was especially close to his neighbors, James and Jeannine Wyss and their six children: Zachary, Jacob, Austin, Abigail, Charles and Eleanor.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Allred Funeral Home in Berrien Springs (www.allredfuneralhome.com). Cremation has taken place and a memorial service and Mass will be conducted at a time when it is safe for everyone to gather together. Jim was especially grateful for the kind and compassionate care provided by the Alliance nurses and caregivers. In Jim’s memory, please pass on an act of kindness.