Coming to St. Thomas from the North side of Houston in 1979, not even sure I had had a conversation with a white guy before.  Coach was one of the first teachers I met at STHS.  But my most indelible memory of him was not my 2 inauspicious years on the track team and not the summer I told drivers Ed from him in summer of 80.  Black students at STHS wanted to start a group, the Black Student Union or BSA but needed a faculty advisor to be a recognized campus group.  It was none other than Coach who agreed to advise the BSU.  Given his legendary profile on campus, his agreement to be out faculty advisor meant more to us Black kids 
and the than he could have imagined.  It created belonging and legitimacy.  Coach was with us too.  A lot has been said and written these days about diversity and inclusion and how organizations fall short in creating safe inclusive environments for all people.  Long before inclusion had a name, Schwartzbach, in his own way, championed us, called us men and expected more of us.  We are all better for his example.  RIP Coach.  

1 Team, 1 Fight - Eagle Fight Never Dies!

I will forever appreciate the impact Coach had on my life.  Everyone who met me during my 26 years of service in the Marine Corps as well as those who know me in my current capacities with the City of Albany Georgia and various boards of directors also know Coach as his life long lessons have served thru his spirit and impact.  I’ll forever treasure our meetings in Memorial Park when I was stationed as a recruiter in Houston training officer candidates and had the opportunity to “sit a spell” with him as we concluded our workouts for the morning. 

May all come together in joyous celebration of a life well lived for his family and others.  1 Love Always.

Deacon Don Gray 84’ alumni
LtCol (Retired) United States Marine Corps

Coach Schwarzbach was a awesome influence on me and I know so many more of the guys at Saint Anne’s. I remember one time at football practice I  messed up on a play.  I got mad a yelled out got dang it. Coach came all the way across the field and told me that that good lord does not think kindly when you use his name in vane. I told him he must heard me wrong as I said got dang it. He said well that’s ok then. He had his special way that made you feel that he cared about you as a person and that meant a lot to us. I know it did me.  I know he  was welcomed at the pearly gates and will there to great us there as well.  Love you Coach 

Memorial Park (MP) & Coach, what a happily, joyful accident. Coach would grace us each day with a story, dad joke, & a smile. We all listened attentively for his kind wisdom. So if you happen to accidentally have met Coach at MP, God deliberately put one of his angels in your path. Coach will truly be missed by his MP friends, family. 

Sincere Condolences 
Katrina 
MP 2008-2023 


I knew Coach from 4th - 8th grades. The lessons I learned (honesty, responsibility, discipline, always do your best, and perseverance) have helped me throughout my life. I have thought of him many times throughout the past 55 years and remembered how he cared for all of us. 

I often think of my years at St. Thomas as blessed--and Coach Shwarzbach was a huge part of that. Even back then, he was a legend to us. We swore that he had supernatural powers. For one thing, he could hear the ping of a dropped baton, no matter how soft, from across a crowded field--heck, even from the parking lot--and woe betide the poor soul who dropped it. Even more amazing was how bad weather seemed afraid of him. A hurricane could be raging outside, but the moment he opened the gym doors, the sky would turn blue, the clouds would vanish, and the sun would beam down--dashing our hopes of a cancelled practice. Coach was boss, and even the sky knew it. God bless you, Coach, and thank you for all you did to turn us goofy little kids into men. You made us all better and will be greatly missed.

Great man , the definition of tough love.  I learned the football fundamentals tackling my brother Larry in 5 th grade. Favorite memory my softmore year under coach Caldwell we took bus trip on the Jv to play new caney I forgot my cleats so jim loaned me his white shoes and I had a great day, one touchdown and a few first downs all key plays thrown by chuck major. After the game they were calling me Johnny white shoes miggins,  Coach Schwarzbach  said I could borrow them anytime, of course those shoes are too big for anyone to fill now, 

My freshman year coach was my counselor and that was how I first met him.  Within the first few weeks of freshman year we had a fire drill, and coach was in the hallway yelling, “come on let’s move unless you want to be barbecued!”  Always enjoyed his calm and friendly smile, and smokers cough. I used to see him occasionally at memorial park; I guess I will now miss seeing him there also. I know he made an impression on other people just like me, and he will be greatly missed. Thanks coach for your guidance, inspiration, and your friendship.  Your legacy lives on in the boys you helped turn into men of St. Thomas. 

Brian Cheng - class of 1998

Jim was a great man and was a major impact  in my life. He was the best coach I had . He gave me my name (WHALE) witch I have used in my life everyday. When I think of St. Thomas I think of him and all the times playing football, track, he would never let me play baseball, he always made me throw the shot put. That always made me laugh .
I have so many memories . One that I can say we were scrimmaging, and he had me play offense tackle that day (usually played defense)
Was doing my blocking and then I saw Tommy Lorenzo running so I went after him and just about killed the guy. Tommy says Whale , We’re both on offense .  I got up and the coach was right behind me. He told me Whale do not kill my offense 
players..
One more thing I would like to say I will always have a place in my heart for my coach, friend  and will always love him. 
God bless him and his family. 
Whale Wood


STH ‘94 as member of the last class that he coached freshman football in the Fall of 1990 I have the fondest memories of Coach. As it turned out he had fond memories of me too as I would run into him 2 decades later holding court at the stretching deck in Memorial Park (pictured here.)  He had friends there in the running community and would see many of his former STH pupils there.  Nearly every afternoon he would go to the to stretch and jog or walk a mile or two. I think after coaching football and track after school for four decades he became addicted to the sun and just loved being outside at that hour. It was a delight every time I saw him, the last few times of which were after the pandemic and he began to be around people again. The people who loved and missed seeing him out there making everyone laugh while tossing back a couple of cold ones. He had a formative part in shaping me into man as I played for him my Freshman year practically willing me to give it my all on both sides of the football field. I’ll never forget him. God Bless You Coach. 

Best memory I have of him is from my freshman year. Would have been Round Up 2000. I had been out sick quite a bit in the third quarter. Schwarzbach made sure I was able to sell my whole quota. Bought one book himself and then had a network that bought at least three others. Was such an amazing man who enjoyed helping young boys become men. Rest in peace, sir.

Coach was the only one who could make you feel like you belong by calling you out for eating your peanut butter sandwich the wrong way. The man was a master of using laughter to bring people together.

This is where it all began for a lot of us.  Familiar STH faces and a few Jebbies for good measure. Thanks Coach!

Simply put, this man was LEGENDARY. I really wish my wife and daughter could have met him. I’ve told them many a Schwartzbach story including my time in Driver’s Ed. He was larger than life and there will never be another like him. 

He called us men before anyone else did.  
What a great leader. 
Thank you. 

Tim Gleason,  1984

A legend of his time. A St. Thomas High School legend. All the boys loved him, as did their parents. T.R. And I always loved seeing him- at school, at games, round-up , every St T activity. We also loved seeing him walking in the Park. He will be missed, but lovingly remembered by ALL who knew him. May he rest in peace. Tommy and Isla Reckling. 

The piece below is part of a tribute I wrote on my social media thinking back on Coach Schwarzbach after hearing news from former HS teammate.  I was lucky enough to coach and learn from him more during the '88-'92 track seasons after graduating from STH and cherished every day of every life lesson taught and learned in the CLASSIC Coach Schwarzbach ways! (wink)
"...Thru the years of reunions, accolades of former student-athletes, life events & the start of a new season- the man was there & not just for myself but for MANY MANY more men than you could imagine. There to show his, respect, love & support for his guys beyond our years of STH.   Sitting down today at the house/track that Coach built, I think back and remember our class & the fact that the dedication of our Aquin '86 yearbook went out to him-"Dedicated to Mr. Jim Schwarzbach-Our Counselor, Our Coach, Our Friend, Our Leader....to the man who is, has been, and will continue to be instrumental in the developmentof the young men of St. Thomas." As an alum of St. Thomas High School, Coach Schwarzbach knew what his Goals were with all of us and we're better men for him doing so. Thank you for being the Legendary Icon we all needed Coach Jim Schwarzbach.
Thank you for watching over ALL of us. Thank you for being OUR advocate. Thank you for being; "Our counselor, Our coach, Our leader, Our friend."

RIP & Godspeed Coach!

What a fine man, and absolute “Character”!

We, at STHS, and anyone else with whom he crossed paths, are all the better for having done so. 



He was one of the best coaches i had in my life. He had a way of getting the best out of you each and every day. He was an inspiration to me and i believe everyone he encountered.  He pushed us be  better athletes and his thru his guidance to become  better Men. 

"Gawd Dog" - Coach we will miss you.


When I think of STHS,  coach is who I picture.  Rest in peace coach. Have a Victory cigar as you walk through the pearly gates with that big smile.  

Couch Schwarzbach was a one of kind and will be missed. He made an impact on many lives. Heaven better be ready.

Not 10 days ago I saw Jim talking with some folks on the track near the Tennis Center. I came up behind him, put my arms around his shoulders, and told the group that he was my coach 61yrs ago, and that I was one of his many surrogate kids who loved him dearly. He just smiled that big old floppy grin. Jim took over when Jerry Joe Martinez left St. Anne Parochial school in 1962. He was only 26.  Photo above is our 1962 football team. In order to get to away games at St. Peter, St. Michael, Corpus Christi, St. Theresa, Assumption, Kinkaid, and Mother of Mercy, he would pack 12-15 kids and equipment into his ‘54 4-door Ford, and off we’d go! Our relationships with him encompassed many roles, sometimes a brother, sometimes a father, sometimes a friend, but, in the end, he was always the boss. Jim went on to a great career at St. Thomas HS, but St. Anne was a wonderful learning experience for both him and us. He would always show up whenever we would have reunions, or just get togethers. We will miss him dearly.
1) Callis, Murphy(d), Cronin, Green, Vogelsang(d),Kubik, Aucoin(d), Kuehn(d), Price, Herdell, Stamey, Porter, Schwarzbach
2) Schneideau, Steinberger, Arnold, Smith, Howard, Cunningham, Crispin, Archer, Rasch(d), Cochran, Reynosa(d), McCall, Bennett, Dunn

Mark Stamey

I had the privilege of having him as a Coach and influence in my life from St. Anne's and St. Thomas. After I always felt I had a friend whenever we met.
I tried one time to Thank Him for his guidance, but in his humble way he refused the credit.
I wish God grants you comfort during this time of loss.

The first voice we all can remember from when we started as freshman.  From quiet to attention getting.  He made it clear that we all were to become Men of St. Thomas.  You will be missed.  
Thomas Ignas
Class of 1985

A true warrior-leader of singular force and inspiration: Although I have traveled widely (Taiwan, China, the Philippines, Arabian Gulf), I have never met anyone like you; we were so very fortunate to have you in our lives, however briefly. 
As the memory of your leadership recedes farther into the distance, the love that drove you to drive excellence in us becomes clearer. Thank you so very much. 

Sincere condolences to Coach’s family and friends.  He was always  a gentleman, a man who inspired others to do their best in all phases of life.  He was an inspiration to all whose paths he crossed.  Rest well in Heaven, Coach.  You’ve earned it!  Mary Jo Wey Butler

I coached with the man for 17 years, never a dull moment!

I feel like I have been called into your office for a mess up.  Coach I want to say thank you for giving me insight on life.  Your life lessons taught were hard work, determination and a never ending will to be great at what you do.   I remember the one on one talks in your office some good some not so good.  The smell of the cigarette smoke.  The long football practices on the football field.   I will miss you Coach!  Rest in Peace.  Gillespie 

Jim, you were larger than life to us as young men being taught by you.  You will be truly missed,   I always cherished going to Molinas and seeing you and Linda sitting there.  The famous St. Anne bus rides will all be remembered.  Rest in peace Jim!

Thank you Linda for sharing Jim with us.

Sincerely,

Ed Cuccia
St. Anne Alumni 

You were a true child of God, may y our rest in Peace ✌️

No one could believe that a man like Jim Schwarzbach existed if you had not met him. God broke the mold after he created Coach. His direct, blunt, intense manner of communicating with high school boys pushed us to be better -- better students, better athletes, better persons -- than we were inclined to be. Jim also never played favorites. Star athletes, bench warmers and non-athletes received the same treatment. And behind his brusque demeanor was a treasure trove of personal characteristics, among them discipline, care, concern, loyalty, genuineness, and faith. We now carry Coach's influence forward in our lives, and I, for one, will be forever grateful. Thank you, Jim, for being you and for your ever-lasting and much-appreciated guidance.  --  Peter Kesser; Camden, Maine; STHS Class of 1976

If you went to St. Thomas or are affiliated with STH in anyway,  COACH Schwarzbach became a part of your life.  I was lucky enough to have known Coach for nearly 50 years.  He coached  with my Dad for many years.  He mentored my Dad and helped raise me.  What an influence he has on my life and I will be forever grateful.
We are.all better people for having Big Jim in our lives.
Thoughts and Prayers to Linda and the entire Schwarzbach Family. 
You have meant so much to so many!  You will be missed.
THANK YOU, COACH
- Brett Donohue


All St. Thomas alumni owe a debt of gratitude to Coach Schwarzbach.  He will be remembered by all who crossed his path.  His seemingless limitless ability to give to the young men of St. Thomas is amazing.  He would fill every void, coaching, volunteering, mentoring.  His ability to connect with teenage boys is astounding.  And believe me, many of us needed some connection from a mature adult.  Happy to have known him and his family!  

OBITUARY

James Edward Schwarzbach

December 18, 1936 – February 21, 2023

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