SCHWARTZ, James Ross

The Verde Independent, Cottonwood, Arizona Saturday, April 28, 2012 James Ross Schwartz, 66, of the Village of Oak Creek, Sedona died some time after his disappearance on October 19, 2011, in beautiful and rugged Woods Canyon. Jim's body was found April 7, 2012. Jim is survived by his wife, Karen Schwartz, and three children; Jeremiah Schwartz of Squaw Valley, CA; Alexandra Schwartz of Corvallis, OR; and Samantha Schwartz, of Phoenix, AZ; his sister, Jean Burkheimer, and niece, Heidi Sanders, both of Puyallup, WA. Jim was born on July 12, 1945 in Pittsburgh, PA, and moved to California as a young man. A degree in Business from Cal Poly, Pomona, CA; Master of Divinity from PLTS in Berkeley, CA; marriage to his high school sweetheart; internship in Owatonna, MN; and ordination in 1971, all prepared him to serve six Lutheran churches in: Bloomington, MN; Torrance, CA; Corona, CA; Las Vegas, NV; Tempe, AZ; and for the past 10 yrs., Christ Lutheran, Sedona. A quiet and unassuming man, he was specially gifted as a preacher and teacher. He enjoyedworkingwith youth wilderness camping trips, Cursillo retreats, and varioussocial ministries. Jim celebrated 40 years of ministry and retired in July 2011, with plans to enjoy his freedom, develop new hobbies, and rekindle his love of backpacking with his wife. He will be remembered in Sedona also for his involvement and leadership in various community events including the annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service. A Memorial Celebration will be held on Saturday, May 5, 2012, at 3:00 p.m., at Christ Lutheran Church, 25 Chapel Road, Sedona 86336 (on Hwy. 179). Memorials may be directed through Christ Lutheran and designated for Lutheran World Relief or the church's own Mission Endowment Fund. Information provided by survivors.