James Lee Swartz

James Lee Swartz, 90, of Berrien Springs, passed away May 23, 2021 at Hanson Hospice Center, Stevensville.

Funeral services will be Tuesday, June 1, at Allred Funeral Home, Berrien Springs, where friends may visit from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. prior to the service at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery.

Jim was born September 10, 1930 in Stevensville to Winona (Nonie) and Paul (Duke) Svorec. He was adopted by his stepfather, Virgil “Bud” Swartz, at a young age. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1949. He was married to his high school sweetheart, Alice, on June 26, 1949 until her passing January 20, 2017. He started working at Whirlpool Corporation while still in high school and remained there until his eyesight forced him into “early retirement” after 40+ years. In addition, he worked odd jobs to provide for his family. He and Alice formerly owned and operated A.J.’s Plaster Craft in downtown Berrien Springs. He was known for his plaster-making, painting and chalking skills, and woodworking.

Jim was formerly a Boy Scout Troop Leader, member of Jaycees, a civic organization in Berrien Springs, and Berrien Springs Band Boosters. He was also an active member of different churches over the years.

He was known for his kindness in helping neighbors before his health failed. He enjoyed his family, fishing, reading, watching westerns, Detroit Tigers, feeding the “critters” and gardening.

He is survived by two daughters, Sandra Swartz and Jamie Spletzer of Berrien Springs; six grandchildren: Melissa Davis (Mike Acevedo), Heather Belin (Jody Johnson), Christopher Belin (Julie), Dustin Spletzer, Ashley Hicks (Jared), Lauren Streelman (Jason); 13 great-grandchildren: Cody Davis (Audi), Levi Davis, Sadie Belin, Nolan Stover, Corbin Belin, Jack Antonini, Gabriel Belin, Emma Belin, Stone Belin, Vincent Hicks, Daniella Hicks, Hunter Hicks, Briella Streelman; and three great-great-grandchildren: Bentley Davis, Deegan Davis and LeAnna Davis. In addition, he leaves behind dedicated health care providers and “adopted family”: Jim Ziska, Janice Fox, Barbara Clem, Tina Lewis, and feline buddy Boo Boo.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; daughter, Sharon Belin; sons-in-law, William Belin and Wayne Spletzer; and great-granddaughter, Amber Belin.

Donations in Jim’s name may be made to the Humane Society of Southwestern Michigan, 5400 S. Niles Road, St. Joseph, MI 49085; or Hanson Hospice Center, 4382 Cleveland Ave., Stevensville, MI 49127. Online memories may be shared at www.allredfuneralhome.com.