James “Jim” T. Schwartz, age 81 of Beaver Dam, passed away on Friday, April 8, 2016 at home.
Jim was born in a small two-bedroom farm house in Wadena, MN, on April 19, 1934 to Leonard and Matilda (Kaufman) Schwartz. Jim’s education was received for two years in a small country school and then he completed high school at Verndale Public School where he was active in sports, the class play, class treasurer and other activities. Jim served two years in the United States Army as a special weapons expert and three years in the National Guard as a tank commander and master gunman. He was in the Armed Forces Special Weapon Project (AFSWP).
Jim married Marian Mikish of Staples, MN on September 6, 1956. Marian was the daughter of Louis and Goldie Mikish. Jim had a deep interest in “The Shack”, his home away from home in the north woods of Orr, MN. He and his boys spent weekends there whenever possible. Jim worked for Scorpion Snowmobile and enjoyed the sport very much, spending as much of his free time snowmobiling as he could. Jim was an avid duck hunter, sometimes going twice a day. Deer hunting was another favorite pastime. He was active in the Knights of Columbus, PTO, Moose & Elks Lodge, Kiwanis and the Beaver Dam Senior Center.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Marian of Beaver Dam; his four children, Debra (Roger) Syse of Beaver Dam, Michael (Jackie) of Marshfield, Jeffrey (Toni) of Fond du Lac and Thomas (Rita) of Beaver Dam; his two sisters and three brothers; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws and other relatives.
A Memorial Gathering for Jim will be on Friday, April 15, 2016 at Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the Memorial Service at 1:00 p.m. Military honors will be provided at Cornerstone, followed by a luncheon.
Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services, 135 Keller Blvd., Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family. You may send private online condolences or sign the family’s guest book at www.cstonefs.com
