James E. Schwartz
January 25, 1949 - January 25, 2019
Obituary
MADISON-James E. Schwartz, age 70, of Madison, passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, Jan. 25, 2019, at Meriter Hospital. He was born on Jan. 25, 1949, in Madison, the son of Thomas and Meda (Whiteis) Schwartz. Jim graduated from LaFollette High School in 1967. He married Beverly Triggs on March 26, 1977, in Madison. He joined the U.S. Navy in 1968 and was honorably discharged in 1972. After his time in the Navy, he was proud of his work as a DJ for various radio stations. Jim worked for the City of Madison Engineering Services Department until his retirement in 2008. He was very passionate about music, was a talented bass player, and enjoyed his time playing in a rock band. His family brought him the most joy. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and always doted over his grandchildren. Jim is survived by wife, Beverly; sons, Tom Schwartz and James (Jessica) Schwartz; daughters, Michelle (Chad) Forsythe and Jill (Ryan) Drazkowski; grandchildren, Dan, Steven, Jordan, Hannah, Cain, Jetta, Alyssa, Roman, Jacob, Rylan and Dylan; sisters, Sandy Turner, Laurie (Ken) Turner and Juli (Doug) Schwartzsmith; brother, Joe Schwartz; and brother-in-law, Sig Leskinen. He was preceded in death by his parents; and two sisters, Marlyne and Sharon. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. DENNIS CATHOLIC CHURCH, 505 Dempsey Rd., Madison, at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 31, 2019, with Fr. Randy Timmerman presiding. Burial will be held at Highland Memory Gardens. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Thursday. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
608-221-5420
Events
Visitation
Thu Jan 31, 2019 @ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
St. Dennis Catholic Church (Madison) • 505 Dempsey Rd., Madison, WI null
Mass of Christian Burial
Thu Jan 31, 2019 @ 11:00 AM CDT
St. Dennis Catholic Church (Madison) • 505 Dempsey Rd., Madison, WI null
Photos
No photos of James have been shared yet.
Memories
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Joyce Graves
Other •
I met Jim when he was first dating my friend Bev and from the very beginning I knew that they had something special! What a kind and gentle person! He seemed to tolerate anything us girls did and got a kick out of our shenanigans. He had a great laugh and his low voice was perfect for his DJ job and singing in his band. I saw a great son, brother, husband,father,grandfather and friend in him and know that he will be missed greatly. I will always treasure the memories. Joyce
DM
Debbie McCann
Other •
Dear Bev and family , I was so sad to read of Jim's passing.You are,all in my thoughts and prayers. Debbie
LD
LeAnn DeRungs
Other •
Bev, For 22 years we had the great fortune of sitting next to Jim at the UW men’s basketball games. After the first game we knew we had made a friend. Every year there after, we couldn’t wait for the basketball season to start so we could see our friend. Jim will be truly missed. Kindly, LeAnn and Sue.
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Dan Larsen
Other •
To the whole Schwartz family, I am sending you my sincere sympathies and prayers. I have known Jim since childhood having the pleasure on being good friends with his brother Joe and being neighbors. Sorry I can’t make it down so I could see you all again. Jim was such a fun person to know. I am so glad I got to see Jim at the Get Back Wisconsin concert at the Barrymore theatre in November. It was such a pleasant surprise. Once again you all will be in my prayers. Cumberland Lane rocks.
PT
Paul & Eileen Turzinski
Other •
Our deepest sympathies to Bev and family. We so enjoyed getting to know Jim through Mike and Cindy at our Badger football tailgating, listening to Jim's rock band and swinging away with him at the Blue's Festival in Duluth . We send our prayers and thoughts. Paul and Eileen
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Susan Strassman Burns
Other •
To the dear family of James E. Schwartz, My deepest sympathies to your family on the death of of Jim. I went to St. Bernard's grade school with Jim and to St. Dennis Church when I was very young and also I graduated from high school with Jim. A HIgh School classmate of mine messaged me yesterday about Jim. May his soul rest in peace and the perpetual light shine upon him. He is in my prayers. I remember him being a good guy even though that was a long time ago. God bless you all. God's peace to all of you. Susan Strassman Burns and husband Larry