Joseph H. Schulz

July 25, 1967 - August 4, 2017
Joseph H. Schulz

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Colonel Joseph H. Schulz, devoted husband, loving father and retired Air Force A-10 Warthog pilot and United Airlines pilot, passed away at his home in Toano, Virginia, on August 4, 2017, at the age of 50 after a long battle with cancer.   Joe was born July 25, 1967, in Waterbury, Connecticut, and raised in Colorado Springs, Colorado.  He attended the United States Air Force Academy and earned his Master in Business Administration from Colorado State University.

 

Joe was a command pilot with more than 4000 hours in the T-38, A-10A, and A-10C aircraft and flew 250 combat missions in support of Operations Provide Comfort, Deny Flight, Southern Watch, Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom.

 

Despite his successful military and commercial pilot career, Joe was most proud and devoted to his loving wife of almost 22 years, Jennifer, and their children Hayley, Olivia and Jack.   He was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Olaf Catholic Church in Norge, Virginia, where he faithfully served on the Parish Council while battling cancer.

 

Joe will be remembered as an exceedingly humble, compassionate and loving man who had a profound impact on all whom he encountered.  His physical, emotional and spiritual strength was an inspiration to all around him and was present until the very end.  He lived a life full of love, laughter and joy.  Joe’s passions were his family, friends and faith.  He treasured watching his children compete in their various athletic endeavors.  He enjoyed the outdoors, flying airplanes, taking long walks, spending quality time with his family watching movies and sharing meals, and cheering on his beloved Boston Red Sox and Denver Broncos.

 

Joe is survived by his wife, Jennifer Rose (Sutherland), and their children, Hayley Rose, Olivia Mary and Jack Sutherland, of Toano, Virginia; by his mother, Rose Ellen (Bergin) Schulz, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; and his brother, Andy Schulz, and his wife, Chrisy, and their sons, Liam and Sam, of Parker, Colorado. Joe was preceded in death by his father, Jack H. Schulz, originally from Lagrange, Indiana. He was also very close to his parents-in-law, Mike and Mary Sutherland of Kilmarnock, Virginia; and siblings-in law, Chris and Saskia Sutherland of Denmark; Claire and Ed Lampitt of Toano, Virginia; and Jessie and Anthony Rudolphi of Toano and all their children. Joe will be sorely missed by the family’s faithful dog, Poppy.

 

A visitation from 6-8pm on Friday, August 11, will take place at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 104 Norge Lane, Norge, Virginia, 23188. A funeral mass will take place at St. Olaf at 10am on Saturday, August 12.  Burial (with full military honors) will be at Williamsburg Memorial Park.  In lieu of flowers, the family would welcome a donation to Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center at www.giving.mskcc.org.  Condolences may also be made online at Legacy.com


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  • August 08, 2017
    Larry and Cissie Cullivan says:
    Although no words can help to ease the loss you bear, please know that you and your family are very close in our every thought and prayer. May the boundless love of God and the peace that comes from memories of the love you shared comfort you now and in the days and months ahead.

  • August 08, 2017
    Craig Borgstrom says:
    So sad hear of Brama's passing. I don't believe I've ever known a better person. Jen, please know our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. I'll miss you brother.

  • August 08, 2017
    Tommy Neville says:
    I got to know Joe through 3 things he absolutely cherishes - his children. I had the pleasure of coaching Jack at a young age and then watched his 2 daughters grow into the beautiful and kind young women (and rocking athletes!) they have become over the years. Above all else, Joe loved his family and his faith and I became drawn to this humble, kind and generous man. We had some great talks while he was battling. Never once did he complain and he always made time to ask about my family and the Navy. A combat warrior, who you'd never suspect, will be truly missed. I'll miss you Joe. God Bless! ~Neville Family

  • August 08, 2017
    Michael Kem says:
    Joe was a great family man, friend, officer and person. Without a doubt a huge loss to everyone who had the pleasure of calling him friend. I've had the privelege of know him for over 30 years and will miss him greatly. I remember he and Brian Abeyta and I doing pushups and chin-ups at the academy late at night in order to stay awake to study. Also to try to max the PFT! Gone too soon.

  • August 08, 2017
    Donna Whittington says:
    I attended Doherty High School with Joey! He was (and still is) loved by his classmates. Joey was the guy who was always upbeat and positive. My fondest memory of Joey is when I worked a summer job at Mitchell Hall, the dining room at the Air Force Academy. I would see Joey every day and I would smile at him! Being a Dooley at that time, he could not make eye contact, let alone smile back. One day during lunch, Joey dropped a small note on the floor when he marched by. His note thanked me for the smiles as it was a tough time his first months there. Physically we have lost a great man and in spirit, he lives in us all. I love you, Joey! Rest in peace. My condolences to your family, friends and our fellow classmates. ~Donna Stewart Whittington