Jeffrey “Joel” Schutz, 16, of Sherman, CT, went Home into the arms of His Savior, Jesus, on February 3, 2016. Despite Joel’s severe cerebral palsy, which hindered his ability to move, and his chronic breathing issues, Joel loved life and lived it to its fullest.
Even though Joel needed others to live, he loved to live through others. He was a patient listener who rarely missed a thing that was said while easily empathizing with those around him. Joel loved anything to do with motion, including hiking, biking, sledding, walking, and bouncing on balls. Joel was enamored with his school. The staff and students at St.Vincent’s Special Needs School cared for Joel, cared about Joel, and challenged him to reach his full potential for over 10 years. He enjoyed learning, reading, and anything that challenged him cognitively. He looked forward each day to doing homework with mom. He had a tremendous sense of humor, always appreciating a good joke and graciously making the joke-teller feel good by smiling even at bad ones.
He especially adored his family, friends, teachers, therapists, classmates, nurses and doctors. Joel had a special bond with his grandmother, Sue Cushing, who poured her life into him. Joel enjoyed hiking and biking in Acadia National Park, and vacationing in Disneyworld. He was an avid fan of the New York Giants. Card and Board games like Chutes and Ladders, Monopoly, Clue, Tripoli and Battleship were among his favorite activities, along with playing Warhammer 40k (Go Salamanders!) with his dad and brother.
He is survived by his parents, Jeffrey John and Laura Elizabeth (Cushing) Schutz of Sherman, CT; his brother Josh (14) and sisters Nicole (11) and Amber (2); 4 grandparents; his maternal great-grandmother; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins who love him dearly.
A Viewing will be held on Friday, February 12, from 5-8pm at Honan Funeral Home in Newtown, CT. A Service of Celebration and Worship will be held on Saturday, February 13, starting at 10am, at the Sherman Congregational Church.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that any financial donations be given to St. Vincent’s Special Needs School in Joel’s name. Donations can be sent to The Feroleto Children’s Development Center, 95 Merritt Boulevard, Trumbull, CT, 06611.
Joel gave his heart to Jesus by age 4. His favorite conversation was talking about Heaven, and he rejoiced in knowing that Jesus had guaranteed him a new body that is perfect, imperishable and eternal. He taught those of us who have survived him about the real kind of Hope, and about what really matters in life. While Joel may not have accomplished much in this temporary, material world, he has left an impact on the lives of countless people that will resonate far into Eternity.
His life is evidence of the Truth written about in Romans 8 of the Bible:
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose,” and, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.”
Joel’s wait is over. Those of us who remain will have a Joel-shaped hole in our hearts until we meet again. Even so, yet there is hope! We know, Joel, that you are walking and dancing and eating and talking and singing and breathing. And we will see you again soon. We love you!