Posted by Terry Powers on December 21, 2022:

James Henry Scholtz, 87, of Greensboro passed away peacefully on March 1, 2014. Jim was a kind and caring gentleman who truly treasured people. His friendliness and generosity conveyed his love of life and commitment to God. His warm presence will be missed by all who knew him. Born to Margaret and Henry Scholtz in Schenectady, on December 15, 1926, Jim worked at the family market during his youth. He attended Albany Academy for Boys where he served as the cadet major graduating in 1945. While at the Academy, he excelled in football, ice hockey, and track being named to the All-Albany team for three years under Coach Country Morris. Jim attended the United States Military Academy at West Point where he played football and participated on the track team. He earned several medals at the Penn Am Games and set a world record for the 35-lb weight hammer throw. He graduated in 1949. Jim served his country during the Korean War with tremendous pride earning the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart. In November 1951, he married Ruth Van Deusen and they began life together in Honolulu, Hawaii with the Army. Two years later, following a valiant battle with polio, they returned to Schenectady where Jim began his career as an automobile dealer. President of Schenectady Plymouth Inc. for 27 years, Jim's hard work and fine character were rewarded when he was selected as one of the Top 10 Automobile Dealers in the country by Time Magazine in 1980. His commitment to community was tireless, acting as president of the Schenectady Chamber of Commerce, and serving on the board of directors at Schenectady Savings Bank, Ellis Hospital, the United Way, Red Cross, YMCA, and Schenectady Boy's Club. Jim's strong faith in God motivated him to serve on the consistory of First Reformed Church in Schenectady for many years. While there were many accomplishments in Jim's life, none compared to his unfailing love for his wife, Ruthie, and devotion to family. Whether cruising the Gulf aboard Dreamboat in the warmth of Boca Grande, Fla. or fishing for bass, playing games, and grilling steaks in the tranquil Adirondacks, Opa was happiest surrounded by his family. He taught by example to love friends and family, to work and play hard, to pray earnestly, to enjoy a delicious meal, and to rejoice in the gift that is life! The Scholtz family celebrated his life together in Greensboro on March 22. Preceded in death by his grandson, J. Wesley Van Dorn. Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Ruth, and daughters, Robin Stocks (Joe), Susan Van Dorn (Mark), and Jamie Albright (Richard). Grandchildren include Hannah Stocks (Radouane Neggaz), Sarah Stocks, Wes' wife Nicole Van Dorn, Cara Van Dorn, Lindsey Huffstetler (Andrew), Courtney Albright, and Max Van Dorn. Great-grandchildren include Jaxton Van Dorn, Graham Huffstetler, Zaid Neggaz, and Maddox Van Dorn . . . all of whom brought him great joy! Our family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Alexis, Annie, Teresa, Erica, and Agnes for their excellent care. We would also like to express our gratitude to Greensboro Hospice and the staff at Whittier/Friends Home-Guilford for making our father's final days comfortable. A memorial trust has been set up to benefit Wes's boys, The Van Dorn Education Trust, Custodian BB&T and TTE James Maxwell Van Dorn, 2506 Cranbrook Lane, #7, Charlotte, NC 28207. Gifts in Jim's memory may also be made to The Ellis Hospital Foundation, 1101 Nott St., Schenectady, NY 12308 or The Albany Academies, 140 Academy Rd., Albany, NY 12208. And to his ever-widening circle of dear friends we share: "Think where man's glory begins and ends And say my glory was I had such friends." -Yeats Published by Albany Times Union on Apr. 9, 2014.

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