James A. Schwarz

James “Jim” Allen Schwarz, 68, of Lake Vermilion and Palm Harbor, Fla., passed away at peace on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, in Duluth after a long journey with cancer. He was loved and appreciated in his many roles including as a husband, father, brother, uncle, coach, comedian and friend. Jim disliked funerals and he wouldn’t allow a celebration where he couldn’t be the one presenting a wonderful entree and, as such, Jim requested no formal remembrance. He asked instead that those that loved him spend time doing what they love and enjoy rather than attending a memorial gathering. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to Vermilion Fairways in Cook, to honor his memory at one of his favorite places. Arrangements were with Twin Ports Cremation of Duluth.
Jim grew up in Orr and later moved to Virginia, where he met his wife and partner of 47 years, Pauline Weiss Schwarz. Jim married Pauline in 1994, after knowing each other for 15 years; they were blessed with two sons, Addison and McKenzie. Jim graduated with a bachelor’s degree in finance from the University of Central Florida. He raised his family on Amnicon Lake near Superior, Wis., and became a beloved part of the community, especially among the breakfast crew at the Amnicon Bar. Jim found time to fit his professional career as an insurance adjuster in between his true passions of coaching, socializing, and, above all, being a father.
He enjoyed a retirement splitting time between Lake Vermilion with old friends and making lasting memories in Palm Harbor with his new friends. Jim’s proudest claims to fame were his sons and his love for them was immeasurable. They were his pride and joy. A meeting with Jim usually involved a not-so-casual mention of how his boys were a lawyer and a doctor, or the kicker and the holder of the high school football team. A proud man, he rarely cried in front of his sons except whenever they would leave home. Another of his claims to fame was shooting an almost Minnesota state record moose with his father, Orville, when he was a high school senior. The antlers have proudly hung wherever he has lived.
Jim was a youth sports coach born from being a basketball player. He would often talk of playing in the state basketball tournament with his Orr Braves, competing against the best the state had to offer. An old tape of the radio broadcast of him hitting jump shots was known to come out when his boys were getting a little too confident. He was a winning youth sports coach who loved his players. He spoke glowingly and with pride of those he coached.
As an avid golfer, Jim recorded three holes in one, the first on a 392-yard par four and two more in the year 2025. His love for golf was passed down by his father, and his love for cooking and gardening came from his mother, Lola. Jim was happiest when he could host a dinner party and smoke, grill or pan fry meats until he could gloat how beautiful it looked and that he had “never messed up a meal in his life.” Jim balanced his cooking duties with his self-appointed entertainment duties and his lighthearted teasing and joking. When asked what he wanted for his last birthday, he asked to cook a meal for his friends in Florida.
He liked fishing, but he loved the time it allowed him to be with those he loved. A sunset drink with a line in the water and some REO Speedwagon was his happy place. He loved to compete, whether in cards (cribbage, spades, hearts), darts, ping pong, pool or golf. The highs and lows of all recent games would be regaled to all who would listen, along with all the potential drama of his upcoming matches.
Jim’s worth was greater than any singular accomplishment. He was a mentor to many he coached. He brought joy to those around him. He was the life of the party with his quick wit, which only became sharper with time. He could tease you, and you would love him for it. He was a great father who knew when to listen and when to give advice, whether on golf, on relationships, or how he was always going to be better at cribbage than his sons.
Though Jim is no longer with us, his memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him. His wit, laughter, and the moments shared will not be forgotten. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Jim is survived by his wife, Pauline; sons, Addison and McKenzie (Shannon); dog, Maggie; sisters, Teri (Rick) Popovich and Julie (Wayne) Morgan; mother-in-law, Darlene Weiss; father-in-law, Fred Weiss (partner Laverne Lindquist); sisters-in-law, Sandi Weiss and Maxine Weiss; nephews, Travis (Stacy) Morgan, Nic (Casey) Morgan, Cody (Marley) Popovich, Christopher Flaim and Ben Houghton; nieces, ReAnna (Parker) Osborne and Tiffany (David) Weiss; and all those who had the pleasure of knowing him.
He was preceded in his death by his mother, Lola; father, Orville; and beloved dogs, Schnapps, Lance, Allie and Gucci. He looked forward to a joyful reunion with friends and family who came before.