James Lee Shultz

Services for James L. Shultz will be 2:00 p.m., Friday, Nov. 13, 2015 at MMS-Payne Funeral Home Chapel, burial will follow at Woodlawn Cemetery. Military honors will be performed by the U.S. Air Force. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 1pm-8pm, with family receiving visitors from 6pm-8pm.

James passed away on Nov. 9, 2015 at St. Francis Hospital at the age of 83.

Born June 10, 1932 in Britt Iowa to Carelton Rueben and Hattie Belle (Smith) Shultz. James was reared and educated in Mason City, graduating from high school there. In 1950 he enlisted with the Air Force and proudly served his country. While in the Air Force he was a crew chief on a helicopter called the "Little Brown Jug". Following his honorable discharge, James moved to Columbus, Nebraska and it was here that he met Mary Ann Simpson. On Nov. 9, 1957 they were married and the couple made their home in Columbus, then Grand Island. James worked in car sales and at night would tend bar. In 1973 he began working for Chief Automotive Technologies which led the family to Claremore. James retired from Chief in the late 70's. James later worked for Combined Insurance and Jim Stone Insurance. He was a familiar face at the Claremore Wal-Mart for over 17 years, retiring in 2013.

James enjoyed golf, Nebraska Football and big band music. He loved spending time in Branson with his dear friend, Gerry Rhoten, taking in a Daniel O'Donnell show.

A wonderful father, grandfather and friend, James is survived by his children Greg P. Shultz and wife Rhonda of Broken Arrow, Douglas J. Shultz and wife Shelly of Arkansas and Laurie M. Carlson and husband John of Tulsa; his grandchildren Burris Shultz, Kendra Ann Young, Kendall Byron Shultz, Lucas Carlson, Elizabeth Claire Carlson and Felicia Keely; his great-grandson Gauge Keely; his nephew Steve Shultz and his niece Merry Beth. James was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Mary Ann and his brother Robert Shultz.