Representative James H. Schwartz View All Years

JAMES HENRY SCHWARTZ

James Henry Schwartz was born on January 29, 1928 in Ottumwa, Iowa. Schwartz graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1946 after which he attended Creighton University. He married Patricia Colbert on April 23, 1949 and their union created seven children.

Schwartz worked for 66 years for Schwartz Insurance Agency. The Ottumwa Hotel became the family business in February 1982 when they purchased the hotel after it had been closed for almost a decade. With a vision, faith in Ottumwa and a strong desire to serve the best quality foods. The Schwartz family still owns and operates it to this day.

The Main Street Ottumwa organization recently wrote Ottumwa Courier that Schwartz made a difference in his community. Many memorials were given in his name which is motivating them to work harder, kinder and smarter like he would have done. They are grateful for his leadership, vision and endorsement to and for the community.

He was a member of St. Mary of the Visitation, Rotary Club of Ottumwa, Gene Schultz award recipient, Elks, New Frontier, YMCA, Independent Insurance Agents and the Knights of Columbus. More specifically he was a Past Grand Knight and member of the Knight of Columbus Council #888 where he had been District Deputy of Knights of Columbus and a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus General McMullen Assembly.

Schwartz was a Democrat from Wapello County. He was elected to the Iowa House of Representatives in the fall of 1968, serving for two terms. Throughout his time he served on several committees; Agriculture, Law Enforcement, Rules and as ranking member of Commerce for two years.

Representative Schwartz passed away on February 14, 2015 at the age of 87.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE EIGHTY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF IOWA, That in the passing of the Honorable James Henry Schwartz, the State has lost an honored citizen and a faithful and useful public servant, and the House by this Resolution would express its appreciation of his service.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution be spread upon the Journal of the House, and that the Chief Clerk be directed to forward an enrolled copy to the family of the deceased.

JARAD KLEIN

MARY GASKILL

LARRY SHEETS

Committee