James Lloyd "Jim" Schwartz
On the evening of April 21, 2020, Jim passed away peacefully of natural causes while being comforted by family members at Wesley Medical Center. Jim was 79 years old.
Born in Kansas City, Kansas, he was the first child of Donna Ruth Conkle and Lloyd Gay Schwartz, M.D. Jim grew up in Topeka where he was known as "the lemon drop kid", the cycling paperboy who always hit your front porch with precision. He set the record for sit-ups at Boswell Jr. High, surpassed only by his little brother, Charlie. Jim graduated Topeka High in 1958 with the nickname "Elvis" because of his pompadour, ducktail and guitar. He played guitar for many traveling musicians appearing at the Topeka Municipal Auditorium in the late 50's and early 60's. Jim received his Bachelors Degree in Music Education at Washburn University of Topeka, majoring in Voice. Although recommended for training in Opera, Jim wanted to play and teach. He taught public school music in Dennison, Jackson Heights and Rossville school districts for 9 years, while playing and singing music professionally in Topeka. He traveled throughout the U.S. and Canada playing in bands ranging from the young 70's duo "Jim & Susie" to a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band who called him "Grandpa", except the lead guitar player who called him Dad. He was a lifetime member of the Episcopal Church and enjoyed leisure time with family at his country home in Eureka.
Jim was preceded in death by grandson Tavian James Johnson, Wichita; brother Charles Schwartz, Mansfield, Mo. and parents Lloyd and Donna Schwartz, Topeka. James is survived by his wife Susette "Susie" M. Jacobs Schwartz, Eureka; son Sean (Cindy) Schwartz, Eureka; daughter Raina Schwartz-Johnson, Eureka; son Dustin Schwartz, Eureka; grandchildren Taylyn (Lance) Barkley, El Dorado; Ashlen Schwartz, Pittsburg; Kaman Johnson, Eureka; Amari Schwartz, Eureka; Jack Jones, Eureka; great-granddaughter Tate Barkley, El Dorado; and sister Peggy Case, Midland, Texas.
A private Graveside Service will be held.
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