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James D. Schuck was born in 1932 in Jamaica, New York. He attended school in Valley Stream where he and his four brothers and sister excelled in sports. James won a scholarship for football to Rutgers University.
He was also an excellent track star who was often featured in the local newspapers. One time he displayed his sprinting proficiency by capturing the county title in both the 100 and 220-yard dash in one day. He set the record for the 220-yard dash in New York State, which stood for many years.
Jim’s love of the sea prompted him to join the Navy. He especially loved submarine duty. At times, he pressed his face so hard against the scope that it would leave a rim around his eyes.
During the Korean War, Jim also served in the Army Signal Corps overseas.
Jim was a devout Catholic and attended church regularly at Blessed Sacrament Church in Valley Stream, New York. It was there that he met his wife, Winifred Krumpter, who was a student nurse in Kings County Hospital in Brooklyn. They had five children: Winifred, James, Sarah, Virginia and Constance.
In 1968, they moved to St. Croix where he taught marine biology at Central High School.
James and Winifred celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2011. Their children helped them celebrate with a special dinner as they danced the night away to some tango music (which was their favorite).
Jim loved his God, his country and his family. In 1994, he was chosen "Father of the Year." He considered St. Croix his home and loved it and its people deeply. He hated to leave it even for a day.
Many people will miss him, especially his loving family, Holy Cross parish and the many students from Central High School whom he taught.
James David Schuck, age 81, of Estate Catherine’s Hope died on Jan. 23 at Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital and Medical Center.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Sarah Mulvey, father, John Schuck; daughter: Winifred Schuck; and brothers: Malachy and Joseph Schuck
He is survived by his wife, Winfred Schuck; daughters: Sarah Christiansen, Virginia Nastanovich and Constance Williams; son: James Schuck Jr.; and grandchildren: Kyle Christiansen, Bridgette Nastanovich, James Christiansen, Nicholas Nastanovich, Hannah Schuck, Marie Williams, Abigail Schuck, Emma Williams, Meaghan Schuck, Geena Nastanovich, James Schuck III, Evelyne Williams and Wynne Williams; great-grandchildren: Teagan Christiansen and Kinsley Christiansen.
He is also survived by sister, Maryanne McKee; brothers: John Schuck and Vincent Schuck; nieces: Deborah McKee, Linda McKee, Kathleen McKee, Heather McKee, Elizabeth Krumpter, Mary Krumpter , Kathleen Krumpter, Ellen Schuck, Kathy Schuck, Diane Schuck, Susan Schuck, Patricia Schuck and Karen Schuck; nephews: Brian Schuck, Keith Schuck, Wayne Schuck, John Schuck, Michael Schuck, Patrick Schuck, Douglas Schuck, Vincent Schuck, Philip Krumpter, John Krumpter, Christopher Krumpter and Philip Krumpter; sons-in-law: Jon Christiansen, Stephen Nastanovich and Michael Williams; brothers-in-law: John Philip Krumpter and Thomas Krumpter; sister-in-law, Shirley St. Claire; students and staff of Central High School; and other relatives and friends too numerous to mention.
A viewing will be held at 9:30 a.m. followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, at Holy Cross Catholic Church, Christiansted. Interment will be at Kingshill Cemetery.
All arrangements are by James Memorial Funeral Home Inc.
