R. Jack Shultz

R. Jack Schultz, 86, Professor Emeritus of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Connecticut, died suddenly on February 2, 2016. He was born in Caro, Michigan, the son of Marian and Ralph Schultz and attended Michigan State University earning his B.S in 1952, and M.S in 1953. He received his Ph.D from the University of Michigan where he also met his wife Mary. He served his country during the Korean War. They moved to Storrs with their family in 1963 where he did research and taught courses in ecology, biology of fishes, evolutionary biology, general zoology and scientific writing for 30 years. He was internationally known for his discovery of the role of hybridization, unisexuality and polyploidy in evolution and ecology of fishes. He was also recognized for research conducted with his wife Mary on the genetics of cancer and the genetics of the thermal stress response in fish receiving several grants. The University of Connecticut Alumni Association awarded him The Faculty Excellence Award for research in 1995. He is the author and co-author of numerous scientific papers and was honored to serve on the National Science Foundation Panel to review ecology grants. He served as Vice President and President of the American Genetics Association and on several scientific journal editorial boards. Upon retiring he began writing and publishing fiction novels of which he completed four. At age 79 he became interested in golf and with the help of his children became quite an enthusiast and spent many days playing at the Windham Country Club. His love of fishing carried throughout his life as well as gardening and growing Bonsai trees. He and Mary had moved to Chaplin from Storrs in 1980 where he enjoyed the people and friendships he made and served for several years on the school board. Jack is survived by his wife of 58 years, Mary Schultz of Chaplin; his son Mark Schultz and his wife Nancy Schultz of Durham; his daughter Karen Castaldi and her husband Alexander Castaldi of Southbury; his grandchildren Mark and Lauren Castaldi; Funeral services will be privately held at the Chaplin Congregational Church in Chaplin. Donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Chaplin Congregational Church, 43 Chaplin St. Chaplin, CT 06235. To share memories or send condolences to the family, please visit www.potterfuneralhome.com