James D. Schulte Sr., 95, of Highlands, NC, passed away unexpectedly on September 29, 2026. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sue Story Schulte.

He was born in 1931 and raised in Pittsburg, PA. He received his BS in electrical engineering from Penn State. While attending Penn State he was a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, Lions Paw, Parma Nous Society and Blue Key. He was head boxing manager and chairman of the Student Tribunal.

Upon graduation he joined Reliance Electric Company of Cleveland, Ohio. He worked with Reliance in sales and sales management in Cleveland, Buffalo, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh, Richmond, and Atlanta. His whole career of 42 years was with Reliance, except two stints in the Army as a Lieutenant.

He was a member of Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church in Highlands and served several years as president of the Men's Club. He also served as an usher.

He is survived by three children; Jim Jr, Karen Rabun, Elizabeth Weterrings, one stepson, Lane Turner and two grandchildren, Callie Hsaing (Jeff) and Lexie Conway (Trey); four great grandchildren, Luke Hsiang, Virginia Conway, Knowles Conway, and Rhodes Conway. A stepdaughter, Kathy Turner predeceased him.

During retirement in Highlands he was active in the Highlands Cashiers Players in set construction and a very few acting parts. He volunteered at the Fidelia Eckerd Living Center, Highlands Cashiers Hospital Pharmacy and the Highlands food pantry.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Highlands Food Pantry or the Fidelia Eckerd Living Center.

Online condolences can be made at www.maconfuneralhome.com.

Macon Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.