James "Jim" Lloyd Schwartz

On the evening of April 21, 2020, Jim passed away peacefully of natural causes. Jim was being comforted by family members at Wesley Medical Center, Wichita, Kansas at the time of passing. Jim was 79 years old.

James “Jim” Lloyd Schwartz, was born in Kansas City, Kansas. He was the first child of Donna Ruth Conkle and Lloyd Gay Schwartz, M.D. Jim grew up in Topeka where he was known as “the lemon drop kid”, the cycling paperboy who always hit your front porch with precision. He set the record for sit-ups at Boswell Jr. High, surpassed only by his little brother, Charlie. Jim graduated Topeka High in 1958 with the nickname “Elvis” because of his pompadour, ducktail and guitar. He received his Bachelors Degree in Music Education at Washburn University of Topeka, majoring in Voice. Although recommended for continuing training overseas in Opera, Jim wanted to play and teach too. He played guitar for many traveling musicians appearing at the Topeka Municipal Auditorium in the late 50’s and early 60’s then taught public school music in the Dennison, Jackson Heights and Rossville school districts for 9 years, while playing and singing music professionally in Topeka. His entertaining career spanned 60 years in venues throughout the U.S. and Canada, from singing and playing guitar for “Jim & Susie” (with his wife) to playing keyboards for “Street Survivor” a Lynyrd Skynyrd tribute band who called him “Grandpa”, except the lead guitar player who called him Dad. Later in life, he enjoyed his leisure time with family at his country home in SE Kansas. He was also a lifetime member of the Episcopal Church.

James was preceded in death by parents, Dr. Lloyd G. Schwartz and Donna Ruth Conkle Schwartz, Topeka; grandson, Tavian James Johnson, Wichita and brother Charles W. Schwartz, Mansfield, Mo. James is survived by his wife, Susette "Susie" M. Jacobs Schwartz, Eureka, KS; son, Sean (Cindy) Schwartz, Eureka; daughter, Raina Schwartz-Johnson, Eureka; son Dustin Schwartz, Eureka; grandchildren Taylyn (Lance) Barkley, El Dorado; Ashlen Schwartz, Pittsburg; Kaman Johnson, Eureka; Amari Schwartz, Eureka; Jack Jones, Eureka; great-granddaughter, Tate Barkley, El Dorado; and sister, Peggy Case, Midland, Texas.

A private Graveside Service will be held.