Born into a loving family of Paul and Olive Schwerdt of Milwaukee on August 10, 1930, passed away on Sunday, July 17, 2016 at the age of 85. An ever curious and active boy, he loved school, Scouts and many sports. He attended Washington High School where he met Jean Jones who would later become his wife in 1955. They enjoyed more than 60 years of marriage as life-long companions, world travelers and soul mates. They were blessed with two children, Merne (Brent) Halweg  of Minneapolis and Dean (Jennifer) Schwerdt of Fort Lauderdale, who inherited much of their father's entrepreneurial spirit, strong work ethic and his love of water and sailing. Jim cherished the time he spent with his two vivacious grand daughters, Wesley and Madeleine Reul.  

Jim went to the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee but was called to serve in the Air Force during the Korean War where he served as a medic. After his honorable discharge from service, he finished his education, graduating from Marquette University with a mechanical engineering degree. He was an entrepreneur who enjoyed thinking outside the box, viewing problems as welcome opportunities to flex his problem-solving skills throughout his career. He retired in 1993 as president of Autotrol, an international water treatment and manufacturer, later known as Osmonics and a division of G.E.  

Having lived a very full and active life with many long-term friendships, he felt very grateful for such a blessed life. He is survived by his wife Jean who will miss him greatly, his two children and grand daughters who find solace in knowing he will have life eternal.  

Visitation Friday July 29 from 6:30PM until 8:30 PM at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home-Mequon. Visitation to continue at the FUNERAL HOME Saturday July 30 from 10:00AM until time of Memorial Service at 11:00AM. If so desired, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association. The family will host a luncheon celebrating Jim's life after the memorial service at noon at a nearby restaurant. The family would appreciate friends to RSVP to them if you will be attending the lunch.