James M. Swartz 1935-2024

He was born June 9, 1935, in Sharon, Pa., the son of Matthias and Marjorie Bates Swartz, moving to Warren in 1951.

Jim was a 1954 graduate of St. Mary High School, where he was captain of the football team and played other sports. He worked as a machinist for Van Huffel for 31 years and worked as a courier for Bank One for 12 years before retiring. He was a member of St. William Parish.

An active man who was always giving of himself, Jim was a charter member of Knights of Columbus 4484 and past president of the Warren Optimist Club. He sang with Warren Barbershoppers for 10 years and was a 19-gallon blood donor. He also enjoyed dirt bike riding, camping and was in many bowling leagues through the years. He was an avid fan of the Cleveland Browns, Indians and Cavs, as well as his beloved Notre Dame. His kids were brought up as Cleveland sports fans and he referred to them as his “Tribe.” Casino trips with his loving wife, Bernie, were frequent and the kids were only told they were “going for a ride.”

His greatest treasure was his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who loved their grandpa, or as many of them called him, “Pop Pop.” He missed out on many adult conversations because they demanded his time and he loved being with them.

Precious memories of Jim live on with his beloved wife of nearly 70 years, Bernadette “Bernie” Tomasiak Swartz, whom he married Dec. 18, 1954; four children, Ann Renn (Joe) of Warren, Jim Swartz (Jenny) of Chardon, Carol Gilliam (Tim) of Niles and Nancy Cienik (Bob) of Ramsey, Minnesota; five grandchildren, Mike Swartz (Jen), Ben Ferguson (Shannon), Zach Ferguson, Bobby Cienik and Bernadette Cienik; five great-grandchildren, Blake, Skylar, Vivian, Allie and Valena; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were his parents; two sisters, Frances Sliver and Doris Ohl; and his brother, Bob Swartz.

Family and friends are welcome to attend a prayer service 10 a.m. Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, at the chapel of All Souls Cemetery.

To celebrate Jim’s life, do a good deed for someone and remember Jim and his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.

Arrangements are entrusted to Staton-Borowski Funeral Home, 962 North Road NE, Warren, OH 44483, 330-394-6200. Dedicated to serving your loved ones. This obituary may be viewed and condolences sent to www.statonborowskifuneralhome.com.

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