James Herbert Schatz, instrument technician

James Herbert Schatz, 70, of Rehoboth Beach passed away Friday, Oct. 26, 2018, at his home.  He was born Jan. 5, 1948, in Lansdale, Pa., son of the late Chester and Naomi Schatz.

Mr. Schatz was a 1965 graduate of Souderton High School in Pennsylvania, after which he honorably served in the U.S. Air Force. He worked for AEL, then Merck, and began taking classes at Montgomery County Community College, from which he received his associate degree.  Mr. Schatz then continued a lifelong career at Merck as an instrument technician.  He was a member of the USW Local 1085, the Souderton-Harleysville Game and Fish Club, and was very involved with the Boy Scouts, particularly Troop 414. Mr. Schatz was a faithful member of St Jude the Apostle Parish and was a past grand knight of the Knights of Columbus. He loved hunting, fishing, and all the outdoors, and was an avid and dedicated Penn State and Philadelphia sports fan. He took great joy in driving onto the beach in his Jeep, as well.  Above all, Mr. Schatz cherished time spent with those he held most dear. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Schatz was preceded in death by his brother, Ronald Schatz; and his sister, Connie Walt.  He is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, Joann (Chiriano) Schatz of Rehoboth Beach; his sons: James A. Schatz (Joanne) of Gilbertsville, Pa., Kevin Schatz (Dawn) of Middletown and Jason Schatz (Amy) of Feasterville, Pa.; his daughter, Kimberly Shaughnessy (Brian) of Souderton, Pa.; and his grandchildren: Gabriella, Lauren, Julia, Ryan, Alex, Owen, Cory, Elsa, Jay and Max.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, Nov. 5, at 11 a.m., at St Jude the Apostle Church, 152 Tulip Dr., Lewes, where friends may call beginning at 10 a.m.  Burial will be private.  Arrangements by Parsell Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Lewes.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions in Mr. Schatz's memory to the Knights of Columbus, c/o St. Jude the Apostle, 152 Tulip Dr., Lewes, DE 19958.

Please visit Mr. Schatz's Life Memorial Webpage and sign his online guest book at www.parsellfuneralhomes.com.