James Ray “Blackie” Schultz, 92, of Watseka passed away on Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at the Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka. He was born on December 29, 1932 in Martinton, a son of Victor E. and Margret (Hale) Schultz and they preceded him in death in addition to one son, James Ray Schultz Jr. and one son-in-law, Bryan Lambert.
He married Ila Lehnus on June 19, 1954 in Herscher and she survives in Watseka. Also surviving are two daughters, Janice (Erwin) Wood of Joliet and Joann Lambert of Watseka; five grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Mr. Schultz was a member of the Martinton Church of Christ, a 40+ year member of the Martinton Fire Department, and a member of the Kankakee Model Railroad Club. James was employed at Uarco in Watseka for 35 years, was a Boy Scout Leader, and loved planes and trains.
A memorial visitation will be from 1:30 p.m. until the 2:00 p.m. memorial service on Sunday, June 22, 2025 at the Martinton Church of Christ.
Memorials may be made to the Martinton Church of Christ or Martinton Fire Department.
Arrangements are by the Baier Funeral Home in Watseka.
Please share a memory of Blackie at baierfuneralhome.com
