Celebrating the life and legacy of Jeff Schultz

After about a year-long battle with declining health, my grandfather, Jeff Schultz, sadly passed away early on Monday, October 2nd. While he is no longer physically on this earth, his presence and impact live on. He was an incredible husband to his wife/my Grandmother Linda, and a loving father to my mom, her brother, and five grandchildren. He was also a fantastic Teacher, Coach, HOA President, and “father figure” to the many students he considered his own.

Personally, my relationship with him is one that I could not have wished for any better. The long conversations, the witty jokes, and the everlasting love that radiated through every interaction made my relationship special with him. He was the best grandad a man could ask for and my biggest supporter, especially in my journey as a swimmer. From an 8-year-old neighborhood swimmer to a current collegiate athlete at UNC, my grandad became invested in my story as a swimmer, always asking me how training was going and vigorously following my times and meet results.

The one thing I’ll miss most about him was our pre-meet texting ritual. For over 3 years, I would always get the same text before a meet: a simple word: INVINCIBLE. This single word would radiate with me during my races, and symbolized the fighting mindset an individual should have. While I sit back and reflect on my grandad, I can only think of the word “Invincible” to describe it, as it perfectly represents his life and legacy.

Funeral arrangements have been made to honor the life of my grandad, Jeff Schultz. However, with these arrangements comes the costs of traveling and overall funeral costs that will expend his late widow/mygrandma and our family financially. While this is not a plea for money, any donated amount will be appreciated and go towards all the costs associated with this difficult time.

Jeff Schultz leaves his wife Linda, his two children Sandy and Hayley, and five grandchildren.