<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
</head>
<body>
<p><em>Thomas Francis “Tim” Schatzman Jr.</em> was born in St. Louis, MO to Thomas F. and Jane Ring Schatzman on November 18, 1937. He described himself as an “Army brat” who attended 20 schools before West Point in his multi-town trek from first grade to college. He entered West Point with the Class of 1960 in 1956. </p>
<p>Four years at West Point was the longest time he had ever lived in one place. He was thankful to companymates who helped him survive plebe math and kept him from extending his personal residence record. Love of country and history were lifelong interests, and the call of service appealed to him. He appreciated the history West Point symbolized, but he also enjoyed the bright lights of New York City weekends. Tim spent a good bit of time in the water at West Point, earning a swimming monogram as a plebe and participating in the Water Polo Club for four years. He was commissioned in the Infantry.</p>
<p>Tim served in the Infantry for 22 years. He was an Airborne Ranger and served two tours in Vietnam. His first tour was with the Vietnamese 30th and 35th Ranger Battalions, and the second was with the 101st Airborne Division. Tim served as a Ranger battalion advisor and assistant Ranger district advisor during a period when American advisors were assigned to Vietnamese battalions and were often isolated and on their own. He was awarded the Bronze Star for valor and the Purple Heart. Tim considered himself fortunate to serve with many outstanding soldiers whose dedication and sacrifices made it difficult to leave the Army.</p>
<p>Tim married Judy, his love and best friend of 60 years, at his first duty station with the 82d Airborne Division. Transition was a theme in their marriage as they lived in 24 different homes, continuing Tim’s nomadic existence, but Tim was always amazed at Judy’s ability to resettle, meet the demands of Army life, and take care of their four sons when he was deployed on various assignments. Tim was devoted to his family and spent many hours coaching his sons’ teams and watching their events. He always took an interest in his family and was quick to encourage them and affirm them. He said in his statement for the Class of 1960’s 50th Yearbook that Judy, his sons, their wives and 13 grandchildren were his best friends and a constant source of joy and pride.</p>
<p>Tim retired from the Army after 22 years of service and the family settled in Albuquerque, NM. He was a lifelong learner and educator, having earned a B.S. degree from West Point, an M.A. from the University of Texas in political science and international relations, and an Ed.D. from the University of New Mexico in training and learning development. His first position after leaving the Army was as a stockbroker with E. F. Hutton in Albuquerque, but as he achieved his later education he transitioned to teaching and education. He was a graduate advisor and adjunct professor at Webster University’s branch campus in Albuquerque and taught at Wayland Baptist University in Albuquerque, where he later was a graduate advisor and adjunct faculty member. He considered teaching fun and liked working with adult students. Judy said that Tim didn’t have a job, he had a hobby.</p>
<p>Tim and Judy left Albuquerque and entered a very active semi-retirement in 2004. They traveled full time for two years and saw more of their children, grandchildren, and our nation, then settled in Fayetteville, AR, which provided proximity to family, volunteer activities and educational opportunities. Tim continued instilling in others a love for learning as an advocate for childhood literacy programs and was a volunteer in the Reading Road Show of Fayetteville. He believed that giving young people a hunger to learn equipped them for success in life. </p>
<p>Moving to Fayetteville opened new vistas for Tim as he continued his service as a teacher and educator and helped people in need overcome the hurdles they faced. He volunteered with Cooperative Emergency Outreach, a program that assists under-privileged residents of Washington County, Arkansas. </p>
<p>Tim’s final years were spent at Butterfield Trail Village, AR. He was always appreciative of the staff and residents for their treatment and care during those final years. Tim is survived by his wife, Judith Ann, his four sons and their wives, 13 grandchildren, six great-grandchildren, and his brother, Chris. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, John and Kevin.</p>
<p>The last nine months of Tim’s life were the most difficult for him and his family as he was immobilized as a result of complications from surgery. Yet Tim’s sons remarked that this was where their father’s character shined brightest. Even while in pain, bed-bound, and needing full-time care, Tim never complained. In fact, he lived with greater gratitude and was quick to affirm, encourage and honor each medical staff and family member who cared for him. As his sons said at his memorial service, “Dad finished life even better than he lived, and he lived well and honorably.”</p>
<p>Well Done, Tim; Be Thou at Peace.</p>
<p><em>— Family and classmates</em></p>
</body>
</html>