James W. Schwartz, 79, WWII Veteran, U.S. Retiree

He was born March 21, 1924, in Williamson, West Virginia, where he was raised and lived and entered the Army to serve. He has been a resident of Amherst for the past 30 years.

James worked for U.S. Steel in Lorain for 38 years retiring as a general maintenance foreman. He served in the Army during World War II fighting in the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the good conduct medal, the American Theater Ribbon, European African Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon and the WWII Victory Ribbon. He was a member of Church of the Open Door, Elyria. He was a carpenter and enjoyed making crosses.

Survivors include his wife of forty years, Joyce JoAnn (nee Aldrich) Schwartz; his sons, James R. Schwartz of Wheeling, West Virginia, Michael Schwartz of Lorain; his daughters, Colleen Lewis of Westlake, Karen Mcphie of Amherst and Susan Sroka of Bay Village; Seven Grandchildren; 1 great granddaughter; his brothers, William Schwartz of Dataw, South Carolina, Theodore Schwartz of Roanoke, Virginia, Armold Schwartz of Phelps, Kentucky, and Paul Schwartz of West Virginia; his sister, Carol Leffingwell of Chesapeak, Ohio. He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Schwartz; his sister, Ethel Peck; and his parents, Frank and Jeanie (nee Richardson) Schwartz.

Friends may call Sunday from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. at the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst. Funeral services will be held Monday at 10:00 a.m. at Church of the Open Door; 43275 Telegraph Rd., Elyria. Rev. Robert Shroyer, Associate pastor of Church of the Open Door will officiate. Burial will be in Ridge Hill Memorial Park, Amherst with military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to Church of the Open Door; 43275 Telegraph Rd., Elyria.

Arrangements are being handled by the Hempel Funeral Home; 373 Cleveland Ave., Amherst OH 44001. Question, please call Hempel Funeral Home at (440) 988-4451.