Jonathan David Schwartz Jr.

Jonathan David Schwartz Jr. peacefully departed this life on June 14, 2024 at the age of 85 in his hometown of El Paso, Texas. His greatest legacy and loves were his family and many friends, especially his beloved wife of 64 years Josephine Polk Schwartz (Jody).

Jonathan was born on June 18, 1938 to Jonathan David and Ethel Meyer Schwartz. He was the youngest of three children preceded by his sisters Sandra and Cecily. He attended Dudley and Mesita grade schools and El Paso High, where he was president of the student body his senior year (1955-1956). Jonathan attended Purdue University, The University of Texas at Austin, Cumberland University School of Law, and graduated in 1962 with an LLB in 1962 from the University of Tulsa School of Law. He was licensed as an attorney and practiced law in El Paso for 46 years and was a partner at the law firm of Studdard, Melby, Schwartz, Crowson and Parrish from 1972 to 2005. His specialty was construction law, and he was chairman of the Construction Law Section of the State Bar of Texas in 1996-1997. He gave back to his profession by serving as the Chairman of Memorials Committee of the El Paso Bar Association starting in 1997. He was also a member of the Fellows of Texas Bar Foundation. He wanted to be remembered as a good lawyer and a good person. And he was – a man of great integrity and quiet generosity.

Jonathan’s family and his faith are what gave his life meaning. He was devoted to Christ, and he and Jody were confirmed together at The Church of St. Clement in 1951. His faith gave him great strength, especially in the end, when he looked forward to being with The Lord and rejoining his parents and sister Cecily in Paradise.

His greatest pride was the family he and Jody created including three married children: Laura “Laurie” Smith, married to W. Robert “Bobby” Smith (Denver), Jonathan “Jon” D. Schwartz III, married to Tracy Reich Schwartz (El Paso), and James “Jimmy” Polk Schwartz, married to Joy Riccono Schwartz (Fort Worth). Jonathan and Jody are grandparents to seven grandchildren: James “Jamie” Wesley Smith, Elizabeth “Zibby” Holland Smith, Jonathan “Jack” David Schwartz IV, Nicholas “Nidge” Reich Schwartz, Airman first class James Polk Schwartz Jr., Charles “Charlie” August Schwartz, and Anna Kelley Schwartz. All of the family are incredibly close due to the loving example set by Jonathan, Jody and Jonathan’s beloved sister, Sandra Schwartz Hoover. The family has cherished memories of countless family trips and gatherings (“Camp Schwartz”) orchestrated by Jonathan and Jody and filled with joy and laughter. 

Jonathan also loved his extended family and countless friends. Staying connected with the people they love was a priority in their marriage, and as a result, they are loved by many.

Jonathan lit up any room he was in. He had an elite sense of humor and was a beautiful wordsmith. He wrote this about his desert home of 85 years, for his darling wife, who loves summertime:

Branches of figs dark purple and warm

Like bats in a cave upside down in a swarm

Their leathery skins are wrinkled and worn

A cushion of seeds where the beak has torn

August was here but she didn’t stay long

Taste the sweet fruit ‘fore fair summer is gone.

Traces of autumn hang in the air

Hints of new seasons lost hope and despair

A sense that it’s urgent to keep what is there

Hasten O hasten ‘fore winter draws near!

For the tragic conclusion that God won’t prolong

Is almost upon us now summer is gone. 

Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 29th at 1:00 pm at The Church of St. Clement, 810 N. Campbell Street, El Paso, Texas, 79902. A reception will be held following at 1101 Park Road.

Donations in Jonathan’s memory may be made to The Church of St. Clement Memorial Fund, Kelly Center for Hunger Relief, The Animal Rescue League of El Paso, or the charity of your choosing.

Special gratitude is extended to Envision Hospice of El Paso.