It is with immense sadness that the family of James Lawrence “Jim” Schwager of Granite City, Illinois announces his passing on Tuesday, January 1, 2019, at the age of 69.
Jim was a proud Air Force Veteran and loyally served his country in the Vietnam War. After serving his country, Jim spent his entire career owning and operating Schwager Heating and Cooling, which will be forever remembered for its iconic answering machine message.
James spent a majority of his early years raising his children, singlehandedly creating a walking trail around Worthen Park and supporting Anheuser Busch at local taverns in Granite City. His later life was filled by spoiling his five grandsons, wearing the brightest orange golf clothes on courses all over the metro area and finally seeing his beloved Cubs win the World Series.
Jim will be forever remembered by his four children, Nick Schwager, Jenny (Ed) Walch, Keri Schwager and Sara (Angie) Schwager. Jim “Papa” will be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Nolan, Hagen, Elliott, Xavier and Graeme and his five siblings, John, Thomas, Robert, Sally and Cindy. James was met at the Pearly Gates by his mother and father, Harold and Betty and his “fifth” child, Sara Hoffstot.
In celebration of his life, visitation will be at Irwin Chapel, 3960 Maryville Road in Granite City on Sunday, January 6, 2019 from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. where funeral services will be held on Monday, January 7, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Charles West officiating.
Burial with full military honors will be at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis.
Memorials may be made to the Honor Flight Network to the Wounded Warrior Project and may be accepted at the funeral home.
