Washington Co. Administrator Schug ‘Touched Countless Lives’: Obituary

WASHINGTON COUNTY, MN — Former Washington County Administrator Jim Schug, who died Tuesday at 72, was a “dedicated public servant” and “devoted family man, friend and community leader,” his family wrote in his obituary.

Schug was hired as Washington County administrator in 1994 after serving for eight years as director of the county’s Community Services Department. He led the county as administrator for almost 20 years until his retirement in 2012.

As administrator, Schug oversaw several major projects, including the expansion of the Washington County Government Center and the construction of service centers in Forest Lake and Cottage Grove.

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He also led the county through a huge increase in population and demand for services during his tenure as administrator. Washington County's population increased about 80 percent between 1994 and 2012, the Twin Cities Pioneer Press reported.

Schug volunteered after his retirement with the Stillwater Rotary Club, Tozer Foundation and Lakeview Hospital’s board of directors, according to his obituary.

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“Jim was a devoted family man, friend, and community leader who was known for his kindness, fairness, integrity, and good humor,” his family wrote in his obituary. “He touched countless lives with his wisdom and grace.

Schug was born in Minneapolis and grew up in Chaska, where he attended Guardian Angels Catholic School. He earned his bachelor’s degree in social welfare from the University of Minnesota and a master’s degree from the University of St. Thomas, his obituary states.

Schug and his wife, Connie, “shared a passion for travel,” and he “cherished” cabin weekends with his family and an annual trip with friends to the Boundary Waters, his family wrote.

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He also enjoyed walking his dog around Stillwater, meeting up with his long-standing book club and sharing time with his seven grandchildren, according to his obituary.

A funeral and celebration of Schug’s life are scheduled for 11 a.m. April 13 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Stillwater, with visitation to start at 10 a.m..

Schug’s family is encouraging donations to Lakeview Hospice or a charity of choice in lieu of flowers.

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