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Jay C. Shultz
10/12/1957 - 08/17/2024
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Obituary For Jay C. Shultz
Jay Shultz
1957 – 2024
– BOUNDLESS LOVE FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS –
Jay Charles Shultz, lifetime Rapid City resident, died unexpectedly at his home August 17, 2024. Jay had endured a heart condition since childhood.
Jay is known for his exuberant personality with a flair for a good story and an infectious and contagious loud laugh. His presence filled the room undeniably. He was a loyal family man who devoted constant love and affection to his immediate and extended families. In his career as a lawyer, he was a staunch advocate for his clients, particularly ski defense and anybody who felt wronged. He cared deeply for each of his countless friends, and a more trustworthy and beloved friend cannot be found. He loved his family and friends fiercely, and was quick-witted, kind-hearted and sentimental. Jay was also known for his loveable and forgivable shortcomings, chiefly tardiness – usually brought on due to a clamoring among those wanting his attention.
He was the life of the party, but so much more. Jay was sensitive, compassionate and loyal to a fault. He had the capacity to address and serve the needs of those around him in his many active circles – professional, community and personal. Jay was a close friend to everyone he knew. But his best friend was his son, JJ. His cherished daughter, Lauren, was his “Little Missy.”
Where others cultivate hobbies, Jay had passions. He was an enthusiastic skier, hiker, canoeist and bicyclist. He was a dapper dresser and could play cribbage endlessly. He enjoyed reading, especially history. Jay developed a refined taste for delicious gourmet food. He was a connoisseur of fine cigars, craft whiskey and American bourbon. He always brought the best cabernet wine to a dinner gathering – and two bottles, not one. And he wasn’t one to miss the party.
Jay Shultz was born October 12, 1957, to Don and Frankie Shultz. In childhood, he excelled at swimming and schoolwork. His high school successes in debate, scholarship and athletics prepared him for a prestigious college career at the University of South Dakota, culminating in a business degree with magna cum laude honors. He also was selected Outstanding Senior in his class. He attended law school at George Washington University in Washington, DC, and graduated in 1983. Jay returned to South Dakota and clerked for the US District Court of South Dakota in Pierre. Following that, he joined the law firm
co-founded by his father, where he was a colleague for 29 years. He also was in private practice for another 10 years.
Jay was married to Keiz Larson in 1986, and together they built an active social circle connecting friends old and new. Jay was a loving father relishing his children’s activities and providing them with opportunities to travel, to become accomplished athletes and to be successful adults.
Among his various volunteering roles, Jay proudly served with Feeding South Dakota, a YMCA capital campaign, Young Friends of the American Red Cross, the University of South Dakota, and the South Dakota Family Business Council. He was active in local and statewide politics as a supporter and activist of public causes that mattered to him.
Jay is survived by his children, John Jay (JJ) and Lauren (Shaun) Seiler, and three grandchildren, Mia, Everly and Kieran; his sisters, Joni Shultz Chambers and Jan Shultz, nephew Donald (Bryanna) and niece Caroline. Jay is also survived by his father, Donald R. Shultz; his mother, Frankie, preceded him in death in 2021.
Funeral services will be held Friday, August 23, 2024, at 3:00 p.m. at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 717 Quincy Street in Rapid City. A life celebration gathering will begin at 5:00 p.m. at The Dahl Fine Arts Center.
Jay will be remembered by everyone he encountered. He was a force of good, and his example of being “all in, all the time” serves as a reminder to all of us to live life to the fullest. He would want it that way.
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Condolences
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08/29/2024
Dear Schultz Family, I was at a family function on the west coast when I heard about my friend Jay. I am extremely sad about his passing but heartened by the wonderful celebration of his life that I experienced online. Please known that Jay will always remain in my heart and prayers. Sincerely, Brian Fenske
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08/23/2024
Let's raise our glass and toast to Jay! We are truly saddened by the news of his passing. He was truly a good friend and a fine person with a big personality. Our sincere condolences to Jan, Joni, JJ and Lauren The Shilvock Family
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08/22/2024
Jay was one of my best friends through high school, which carried on not just through our youth, but managed to stay whole through the present day. His infectious laugh and ability to break the ice - regardless of the situation - is most remembered. My heart breaks with his passing. Jay and his family will be kept in my prayers. My deepest sympathy.
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08/22/2024
The only guy I ever knew who could tell a really good joke and got the accent exactly right
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08/22/2024
Jay is as a brother to me; my friend & lawyer. - First met summer '76 after high school, working @I-90 Tilford Info Center: Once time a man came in wearing a blue velvet jumpsuit, showing off his new-fangled digital black watch (face bigger than a 1/2 dollar w/gaudy red numbers), we... were... totally... amazed! As new-found friends, one weekend Jay had me over to his parent's home, before it was later destroyed by fire. - Over college breaks, we often ran into each other @TerryPeak, skiing just a few runs together. But life & times took us different directions. - 2006, my first day out as a Realtor, Jay received my first business card over lunch at Minerva's. - Years later & needing a lawyer, I was referred to Jay. Upon hearing my case, he took it all in & took it on with sincere, thoughtful, dedicated, professional care. - Summer of 2022, was our superb evening of dining, top-shelf scotch & Chicago concert. - And, just last week we had a phone call. I share this not to ramble on about my memories of Jay, because my times with him were few & far between. When a person was with Jay, Jay was always with you. Jay Shultz was a life experience that can never be forgotten. See you in heaven, my brother in Christ.
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08/22/2024
JJ and the rest of Jay's family - I'm so sorry to hear this news and for your loss. Jay was such a great guy. He always had the biggest smile. What other lawyers do you know who were happy all the time? I'll miss seeing him at ASDA conferences, and I'll miss seeing him when I'm in South Dakota. May he rest in peace. -Jordan Lipp
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08/22/2024
We are so sorry to hear of Jay's passing. He had such a great smile and always fun to be around. I know how much he will be missed by us all!! Shane & Kim Viger
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08/21/2024
Condolences to the Schultz family and so sorry to hear of the family's sudden loss of Jay. He was always incredibly kind and full of happiness toward everyone every time you were around him. We won't forget that infectious smile, thank goodness it lives on in J.J. JR and LaNae Hamblet
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08/21/2024
My deepest sympathy to the Shultz family. I will always remember his friendly greetings and his big smile and contagious laugh! ❤️✝️ Dar Kolda
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08/21/2024
To the Jay Schultz Family, Jay was always so nice to us and always would come over and greet us so cheerfully when ever he saw us. God Bless, Les and Sue Larson
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08/21/2024
Jay was a wonderful person and friend. I will miss him very much. May God bless and comfort his family. Bob Fischer
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08/21/2024
The loss of a truly great friend. Always ready to help out or listen if that was all that was needed. We will not get that next trip down the Cheyenne with Jay but his memory will live on. With our deepest sympathy to Don, JJ and the rest of the family, God Bless.
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08/21/2024
We are so very sorry about Jay's passing. What a vibrant, fun guy...as he will always be remembered. Our deepest sympathy to the entire Shultz family. Jim and Judy Frost
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08/21/2024
The world dimmed a little with Jay's passing. My memories of hot tubs and cigars with Jay will always be cherished. Jay was a true gentleman. Phi Alpha, brother.
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08/21/2024
In reflection I cherish all the times we spent together. None more than when we were last together. We all laughed, reminiced and were excited about your upcoming holiday. I am so sorry I did not get to hear "all the details" on your return. I'm sure Paris will never be the same since you left.... Look forward to seeing your one and only "knee dance" again when we meet on the other side. You now join two other great Sig Alphs, Paul and Brad..... Phi Alpha, my Brother! Brett
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08/20/2024
Wow Very sorry to hear about Jay We played tennis together years ago at arrowhead Always great to see him Hugs to his family ✌️
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08/20/2024
I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Jay. He was a wonderful man who touched the lives of so many. His love for life was evident and he always brought the laughter. Our family will miss him dearly. I am sending love and prayers for peace to you JJ, Lauren, Jan, and Joni. I hope you find comfort in the memories you shared with him and in the strength of your extended family. Please know that you are in my thoughts during this difficult time.
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08/20/2024
Jay was a nice guy and a good lawyer. Whoever wrote his obituary did a good job of capturing his personality. May he Rest In Peace.
Tributes
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Association of Ski Defense Attorneys sent Loving Lilies and Roses Bouquet for Jay C. Shultz - 08/22/2024
Sending our deepest condolences for your loss. From the Association of Ski Defense Attorneys
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Dan Meyer planted 5 trees in memory of Jay C. Shultz . - 08/20/2024
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Paul Shimon sent Red and White Handled Basket for Jay C. Shultz - 08/20/2024
Many great SAE memories with love. Cazzie Shimon, Dan Meyer, Frank Rash, Dan Vehle, Dave Monkelien, Dave Eral, Joe Trammel Steve Kaestner & all the SAE brothers & families. RIP Jay!
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