John R. Schwartz

John R. Schwartz, 85 of Cumming, GA peacefully passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 27, 2017 at his home, surrounded by loving family members.  He was born in Mishawaka, IN on May 20, 1932 to Robert and Mary Gertrude Schwartz.

John was an Eagle Scout and graduated from Loogootee, IN High School.  He was a graduate of Indiana University and received a B.S. Degree in Marketing and B.S. Degree in Economics.  After college R.O.T.C., John served in the United States Air Force, Strategic Air Command.  He was Captain of USAF Competing Pistol Team.

Mr. Schwartz was a retired executive of IBM Corporation, employed there for 34 years, then retained as a consultant.  He held a number of senior management positions in New York, Chicago, and Atlanta in the areas of Marketing, Technical, Tactical and Strategic Education planning, and Advanced Technology Development, especially Multi-Media development.  Mr. Schwartz authored several published articles for technology magazines.  He was an accomplished speaker and addressed many organizations throughout his career.  His work took him on travels to England, France, Austria, Spain, Italy, South America, Germany, Australia, and China. 

In March 1993, Mr. Schwartz was appointed Vice President of Technology for the upcoming 1996 Atlanta Paralympic Games.  He was responsible for design and implementation of all computer systems for Results, Security, Telecommunications, Press Center, Media Centers, Host Broadcast System, and Games Commentary System.  It was all a huge success, televised around the world for several days.

Mr. Schwartz served on the International Board for the Special Olympics in 1997.  He assisted the Chair Scholars Foundation, helping shooters with disabilities in wheelchairs participate in Trapgun shooting, with proceeds helping physically challenged students go to college.

Mr. Schwartz served as an IBM Sports Commissioner, belonged to two gun clubs, and promoted gun safety meetings.  He regularly shot 100 out of 100 clay pigeons, and won many times at in-state and out-of-state competitions.  He served on the Board of Directors for the Georgia Trapshooting Association, and Treasurer of A.T.A.

John loved his horses, equestrian training and riding, assisting his daughter in showing her Tennessee Walking Horse many times.

John volunteered at many PGA tournaments benefiting Children's Hospital.  He was an active golfer – got a Hole-in-One!  He loved animals and was a conservationist.  He worked hard to help establish and build the Dawson County Humane Society and Animal Shelter, securing a long-term land lease agreement from Etowah Water Co.

John never waivered in his full love and support of his family.  He enjoyed attending grandchildren's events over the years and greatly appreciated his family's support of his endeavors.

Mr. Schwartz was a member of the American Legion.  He was an Associate Member of Cumming First United Methodist Church.

John is survived by his beloved, devoted wife of 53 years, Sylvia.  Sons – Steve (Jolene) Schwartz of Pendergrass; Erik (Marte) Schwartz of Wilmington, NC; Daughters – Leah (Dennis) of Mt. Vernon, IN; Suzanne (David) Schwartz-King of Bloomington, IN; Lisa (Rick Woble) Gunnison of Dunwoody; and Kristine (Leo Curto) Walden of Cumming, 13 Grandchildren; 11 Great-Grandchildren; 7 Step-Grandchildren, many nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services will be held at Zion United Church of Christ in Elberfeld, IN at 2 pm on Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018, with Rev. Jeff McCarn officiating. Friends may call at the church from 1 pm - 2 pm Saturday.  Following the memorial service, interment will be at Zion Church Cemetery in Elberfeld. 

Arrangements by Titzer Family Funeral Homes, Volkman Chapel.