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James Michael Schatz | 73
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James “Jim” Michael Schatz, age 73, born March 24, 1948, passed away on Monday, December 6th, 2021, after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. Jim was a lifelong resident of Saint Marys, a husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and a talented musician who loved spending time with his family and many friends.
Jim is survived by his wife of 25 years, Bernadette (Chiesa) Schatz, and his four children and their families. Daughter Jennifer and her husband Jason Brooks and their children Jessica, Mariah, Josh, Jared, Katie, Gracie, and Neve reside in Merrimack, NH. Daughter Natalie and her husband David Deviney and their three children, Kaitlyn and her wife Samantha and their daughter Olivia, Gavin, and Ethan reside in Vincentown, NJ. Son Michael Schatz resides in Olanta, PA with his family, Carlee Abrahamson and their daughter Beckett Schatz. Son Cameron Schatz and his wife Teddi Stark reside in Harrisburg, PA. Jim will be deeply missed by them all.
Jim is also survived by long-time friend Dick Pichler, of Kersey, whom he considered a brother.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Michael and Irma (Wehler) Schatz, also lifelong residents of Saint Marys.
Jim graduated from Saint Marys Area High School in 1968. He started at Stackpole as an apprentice machinist, and then continued on to work as a machinist at several different local facilities throughout his life, retiring from SGL. He appreciated his coworkers and spent many hours recalling countless work stories that made him smile.
Throughout his life, Jim enjoyed entertaining people from the area playing with various bands, such as Nashville Collection, with whom he played starting in the mid-1970s. Jim was a self-taught musician who played many instruments, including accordion, banjo, and guitar. His favorite instrument was steel guitar, which he taught himself to play at age 35, and loved playing ever since. Jim considered his bandmates and fellow musicians extended family and valued collaborating with them over the years.
Jim’s memory will be carried on through time by his music and through the love of his family and friends.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in the Queen of the World Church on Friday, December 10, 2021, at 11:00 AM, with the Rev. Jeffery Noble, Pastor, officiating. Burial will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation is at the Lynch-Radkowski Funeral Home on Friday morning, from 9:00 until 10:30 AM.
Memorials, if desired, may be made to the Elk Haven Nursing Home, 785 Johnsonburg Road, St. Marys, PA 15857.
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I was lucky enough to care for Mr. Schatz while he was staying on 10N at montefiore. He always brought a smile to my face and was the kindest patient. He had a kind heart and it made my day seeing and caring for him. He made a huge impact on my career and taught me so much in such little time. He is resting peacefully now, prayers to all his loved ones. -Sophie Bochenek
Bernie, I am so very sorry for your loss. Jimmy was a great musician and a great guy. He loved music and followed that love all of his life. He was very lucky to have a great family and many great friends. He will be deeply missed. RIP my friend. We will all play music together again in a much better place.
Truely sorry for your loss. Our heartfelt condolences to your family.
Bernie, you have my deepest sympathy. I’m so sorry to hear of Jim’s passing! He was a great friend and fellow band member!
Pete Bennett
Deepest sympathy to Bernie and family.
Go rest high on that mountain as Vince Gill sings, you was a amazing musician and lots enjoyed your talent. The angels will love you.
Very sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. As the manager of Smokin Joe and the Wildhorse band I got to know him very well. He was an important part of our success becoming one of the top country bands on the east coast with his talent at playing steel guitar. He will be missed. Rest in peace my friend.
Bernie, you have my deepest sympathy. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.