Jeffrey Samuel Schulman, Jr., affectionately known as "JJ," was born on September 4, 1982, in Asheville, North Carolina. From the very beginning, Jeffrey carried a rare light—his first word was "light," and his presence radiated peace, curiosity, and compassion. As a newborn, he scored a perfect 10 on the Apgar scale—a first at the hospital in months. He rarely napped, always alert and engaged with the world around him. By eleven months, he had his first modeling job, and at just four years old, he showed deep emotional sensitivity and spiritual awareness. One early drawing showed himself next to a rainbow, writing: "I want love. I want to remember about God."

His parents nurtured both his intellect and creativity. He attended a Montessori based preschool, thrived in nature and hands-on learning, and excelled in art, music, and acting. He built his first computer at age 12 and was placed in advanced academic tracks throughout school. Jeffrey's childhood was marked by deep faith in Jesus Christ, boundless energy, and a strong love for family—especially his many siblings.

At 15, he moved to Arizona to live with his father and stepmother, began weekly Marine Corps training, and graduated from high school early. He then enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, serving honorably for four years and rising to the rank of Sergeant. As the youngest Marine at Camp Lejeune's Birthday Ball, he was honored with the ceremonial first slice of cake. He later received the Joint Service Achievement Medal for excellence in applied computer security.

Jeffrey went on to earn a B.B.A. in Computer Information Systems, two Master's degrees in Cybersecurity Technology and International Relations, and was pursuing a Ph.D. in Informatics at Penn State University, with a focus on Artificial Intelligence. His doctorate from Penn State will be awarded posthumously, honoring the groundbreaking academic work he completed. He was a NASA Space Grant Fellow, adjunct professor, and published researcher who mentored countless students with humility and passion.

Beyond his professional life, Jeffrey lived to serve. He was Chaplain and Officer-at-Large for Nittany American Legion Post 245, a Scouts of America mentor, robotics coach, volunteer judge, and community leader. His legacy is not just in his accomplishments, but in how he lifted others.

Above all, Jeffrey was a devoted husband to Juyeon and a loving father to their son, Blake—the light of his life and the center of his world.

He is survived by his wife, Juyeon Schulman; son, Blake Schulman; father, Jeffrey Schulman Sr. and stepmother, Erin Schulman; mother, Charee Gile; and siblings: Shea Schulman, Autumn Woodard, Bethany Woodard, Terra Martinez, Jasmine Schulman, Brigette Gumeny, Ashley Debruhl, Carlin Cookman, Taylor Gile, and Jamie Gile. He also leaves behind a large, loving extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and in-laws who will forever hold his memory close.

Jeffrey lived with integrity, loved deeply, and gave generously. His light remains—in every life he touched and every heart that carries his legacy forward.

A visitation will be held Friday, August 1, 2025 from 10:00am - 11:00am with a memorial service, The Right Reverend Council Nedd, II officiating, immediately following at 11:00am St Alban's Anglican Church, Pine Grove Mills, PA 16868. Immediately following the memorial service, attendees are welcome to proceed to Pine Grove Mills Cemetery, 712 S. Nixon Rd, Pine Grove Mills, PA 16868, for formal interment and full military honors rendered by the Nittany American Legion Post 245.

Following the interment, a Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00pm at Nittany American Legion Post 245, 1950 Pine Hall Road, State College, PA 16803.

For those who are not able to attend in person, we have created an online Zoom link to attend the service virtually:

Jeff Schulman, Jr. Memorial Service

Time: Aug 1, 2025 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Join Zoom Meeting

https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88070282034

Meeting ID: 880 7028 2034

Arrangements were entrusted to the Haky/Georgiana Centre County Funeral Home. An online guestbook may be signed and condolences left for the family at www.hakygeorgianafh.com .