James “Bud” Schwartz, passed peacefully Friday morning October 11, 2024, at his home surrounded by his wife and daughter.
He was born in Cravat, Illinois on February 19, 1937.
He loved farming and operating equipment and heavy machinery.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years: Paulette (Meek) Schwartz of Centralia; sons: Dan and Julia Schwartz of Naples, FL, Randy and Rhonda Schwartz of Centralia, Gary and Lori Schwartz of Lake Cormorant, MS; daughter: Sarah Merrick of Sunbury, NC; sisters: Nadean Fichter of Boulder City NV, Mary Thompson of Boulder City, NV, Helen and Ted McNeal of Springfield, KY; thirteen grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parents: Robert J. Schwartz 11/3/87, Lois Bradford Schwartz 8/23/60, Stepmom: Florence Potter Davis Schwartz 4/13/04, brother: Robert E. Schwartz 1/2/04, and sister: Patricia Schwartz Lusch 2/14/18.
Bud worked for Illinois Central Railroad for 15 years as a carman and in the IC shops. He served in the Illinois National Guard Reserve, Farmed, and retired from the Operating Engineers Local 520 after 30 years of service most of which, was with Copple Contracting in Centralia.
A Visitation will be Wednesday, October 16, 2024, from 5-7pm at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia, followed by Scriptural Rosary at 7:00 PM.
On Thursday, October 17, 2024, at 9:30 AM, Rosary will be held followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 AM at St. Mary Catholic Church in Centralia. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Centralia with a luncheon afterwards.
In memory of Bud, memorial donations may be made to the Knights of Columbus (Pro Life Activities) and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Bud’s Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page.
