On Wednesday, December 23, 2020, James “Jim” David Schwengel, age 83, passed away peacefully at home with his family by his side. Jim was born in Evansville, Indiana, on May 13, 1937, to Arnold Schwengel and Martha (Volkman) Schwengel.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first-born son, Mark Schwengel, and brother, Bruce Schwengel.
Jim attended Redeemer Lutheran Elementary School and graduated from Bosse High School in 1955. He Received a BS degree from Evansville College in 1959 and MS degree in Education from Indiana University in 1962. He was an Eagle Scout and continued serving in scouting as Cub Scout Pack Leader, Assistant Boy Scout Master, and attended local, national and world Jamborees.
He was a science teacher at Fulton Elementary School (1959-1963) and Harrison High School (1964 to 1999), being the Science Department head for many of those years. Jim was also adjunct staff at University of Southern Indian (USI) and taught general science classes for 25 years. He was founder and director of the Deaconess Health Sciences Summer Institute for high school students who were considering going into the medical profession. He and his wife, June, led continuing education trips to Australia, New Zealand and Fiji for 14 years.
Jim was a lifelong member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Evansville, Indiana. He was active in Bible Study Fellowship and the TresDias community and had a passion for science, creation and technology. He also had a passion for travel and visited all 50 states and over two dozen foreign countries. He also lived in India for two summers teaching at Gujarat University.
Jim is survived by his wife, June (Bartlett) Schwengel, and his two sons, Steven Schwengel (Caroline) of Simpsonville, SC, and Brian Schwengel (Angie) of Elberfeld. IN, as well as three grandchildren: Quinlynn Grace Schwengel, Vera Kate Schwengel and Theodore James Schwengel.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 29, 2020, at Our Redeemer Lutheran Church, officiated by Rev. Thomas Wenig. Friends may visit from 1:00 p.m. until service time at the church. A private burial will follow at Oak Hill Cemetery.
Thanks to the Medical Services of America for their care and love.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Redeemer Lutheran, 1811 Lincoln Ave, Evansville, IN 47714.
Condolences may be left for the family by posting a message on Facebook or on the Alexander Funeral Home website, www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.
