Obituary of James Dean Swartz

East Greenbush-James Dean “Jimmy” Swartz passed away suddenly on Tuesday August 10th, 2021, at the age of 50. Born in Schenectady, NY on August 14th, 1970. Jimmy graduated from Columbia High School in East Greenbush, NY with the class of 1989. He continued and attended Hudson Valley Community College in Troy, NY. At the time of his passing, he was employed by CSX Railroad as a Conductor and Engineer.

He was the beloved husband of Teresa (Tatko) Swartz. Father of Jesse, Brittany (Shawn), and Haley. Proud Grandpa of Ellison. James is also survived by his parents Patricia and Daniel McDonald, and Melvin Swartz Sr. Brother to Melvin (Beth) Swartz Jr., Maria (Paul) Mencarelli, and Beverly (Tony) Lapointe, as well as brother-in-law to Tommy (Chrissy) Tatko. Also survived by many amazing nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, and loving friends. He was predeceased by his grandparents Louise and Francis VanSlyck, as well as his in-laws whom he loved dearly, Thomas “Puff Daddy” and Rosemary Tatko. He also leaves behind his dog, Harley girl.

Jim was an avid Harley Davidson rider, who loved nothing more than a nice ride in the country with his wife, friends, and son. One of his favorite things to do was to teach his son Jesse how to ride the Harley or go camping with his family and friends. A man who had many projects, Jim loved getting his hands dirty, whether it be fixing his 1971 Oldsmobile Cutlass with his son or helping a stranger on the side of the road. He loved traveling to Hampton Beach where he spent many years going to his favorite biker bar, “Wallys,” having the twin lobster special on Tuesday’s which became a family tradition. Jim had an amazing sense of humor and always had a smile on his face. He was willing to help anyone and would give the shirt off his back to anyone in need. He helped his kids every step of the way, whether it being coaching baseball or softball or teaching them how to drive. He was a true family man who loved with his whole heart. A true patriot and proud supporter of President Donald J. Trump, he loved his country and was proud to be a citizen of the United States of America. The love and admiration he had for his wife Teresa could be felt for miles. He would do anything to make her happy and always loved the quality time they spent together. Jim was an amazing, hardworking person who had a heart of gold. He will truly be missed by all who knew him.

A funeral service in his memory will be held on Tuesday, August 17 at 7:00PM in the W.J. Lyons Jr. Funeral Home, 1700 Washington Avenue, Rensselaer. Relatives and friends are invited and may call Tuesday, August 17 from 4:00-7:00 PM at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the James Swartz Memorial AED Fund on Go Fund Me. We will be raising money in memory of Jim to be able to provide an AED and training to Nickerson Park Campground in Gilboa, NY, where Teresa and Jim camp.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/james-swartz-memorial-aed-fund? utm_source=customer&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_campaign=p_cf+share-flow-1