It is with deepest sorrow and much love that the family of James A. Schwertfeger, of Mequon, WI, mourns his passing after a valiant battle with COVID-19, on December 20, 2020, at the age of 74.

He was raised in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin by loving parents. His father Harold was a Pastor at Our Savior Lutheran in Whitefish Bay, his mother Mildred did her best to make the Pastor’s son obey the rules.

Jim leaves behind his beloved soulmate Kathie (nee Trunk), of 49 years. They were blessed with one son.  Jim was a proud and devoted father to Andy and daughter-in-law Megan (nee Klode) Schwertfeger, Jackson Hole, Wyoming. He was an adoring “Poppie” to his two granddaughters, Ellery Quinn and Ainsley Ellis.

He is survived by his brother Ron, and his wife Mary Schwertfeger.  His Sister Tina, and her husband Jay Hintze. Sister Del and husband Steve Kaney. He was a wonderful uncle to his niece and nephews, R. Scott and Mark Schwertfeger and Anne Babick (nee Schwertfeger); Bradley, Michael and David Hintze.

Jim graduated from Whitefish Bay High School - a true Blue Duke. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Jim began his career in 1970 as a Special Agent for Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company. He excelled in his career and rose to be a Managing Partner in 1989 in Milwaukee.  During Jim’s 37 year career with Northwestern Mutual, he was a mentor, a coach, and a big brother to many of his peers. He was well respected for his knowledge, insight, courage and loyalty. He was also very generous with his time, wisdom and heart. His career was not just about sheltering the lives of families; it was growing and encouraging many young men and women to achieve success.  Although he retired in 2007, his impact on the lives of many continues to be felt.

Jim, with a very dry sense of humor, a gritty voice and a twinkle in his eye, was the ultimate storyteller. He loved to entertain his friends and family, whether it was gathered around a bonfire on the shores of Lake Michigan, acting as grill-master, or watching the evening sky over the Mogollon Rim in Arizona.

 Jim’s friends loved spending time with him, whether it was curling, fishing the northern waters, or watching the Brewers at Miller Park. Golfing was a true passion of his, winning the Senior Stroke Play Championship at Ozaukee Country Club this past summer, and topping off the year with another Hole in One!

Jim was a man who cherished traditions.  His yearly “Dads and Lads” fishing trip to Canada was amongst his favorite, with great stories and shore lunches shared by dear friends and their sons.  Another favorite was “Munnohannit”, named after a Native American Chief who had a vision for his people, a retreat he inherited with his Agency where so many memories and lasting friendships were made. He was exceptional at blending his work relationships to social situations; as a leader he was respected and as a friend he was endeared.

Jim, a man with simple tastes, was content with very little. He was fulfilled by showering those he cared for with love and kindness.  A devoted son, he cared for his parents as they aged, making sure their needs and wants were always met. A committed husband and father, Kathie and Andy were always treasured.  Jim even lovingly accepted years of sweet puppies in their home; Jim said it was to please Kathie, but secretly he adored them.

While not a big man, Jim had the heart of a lion. He loved and cared deeply, and made a momentous difference in our world.  He worked hard, cheered harder, and laughed the hardest. Many days we wondered if Jim had any more heart to give – he always did.

There will be no Memorial Service at this time, due to COVID-19. The Schwertfeger Family intends to have a celebration of Jim’s life at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jim’s memory can be made to the James A. Schwertfeger Personal Finance Scholarship Fund, University of Wisconsin Foundation, US Bank Lockbox 78807, Milwaukee, WI 53278-0807 or at https://secure.supportuw.org/give/ . Or if you seek to amplify creativity, joy, discovery and exploration, please donate to a place that Jim’s granddaughter’s loved visiting, the Jackson Hole Children’s Museum at http://www.jhchildrensmuseum.org