Rev. James F. Schwertley
January 29, 1929 – July 8, 2020
Preceded in death by parents, Frederick and Frances Schwertley; and two sisters, Josephine and Susan.
VISITATION following CDC guidelines: Sunday, July 12th from 1:30pm to 3pm, at St. Cecilia Cathedral (701 N. 40th St.) followed by VIGIL SERVICE at 3pm. MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Monday, July 13th, 10am, St. Cecilia Cathedral. INTERMENT: Calvary Cemetery. Memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer’s Association.
To view a live broadcast of the Vigil, Mass, and Graveside Service, go to our website and click the View Live Cast button on our homepage.
16 Comments
Father Jim was a great friend and mentor. He was the first one at the airport to see me off of the plane when I arrived back home after winning a world championship. I acted in a few of his plays, but I never had a speaking role. I played a gorilla and a bush-wacker. Father was also a second in my corner during my boxing career. He blessed me before the fight in the corner. Thank God he never offered to give me my last rights. He was a character, a personality, a light in the darkness, Although most of all he was a loving friend. I will see you in heaven soon. Thank you for serving God
I have had the privilege of.knowing Father Jim since 1950. He was one of our oldest brother’s best friends, serving as a groomsman in brother Jack’s wedding as well as the Godfather to our nephew, Pat, prior to becoming a priest.
A frequent visitor to our home while a student at Creighton, we were guaranteed a fun and lively adventure whenever he was present. He remained a true friend in times of celebration and loss prior to and after his Ordination.. Despite his gregarious personality, I will remember him most of all as a dedicated servant of God and the.people he encountered..
God speed, Fr. Jim! Thank you for being such a special gift to the Halbach family.
Rest in Peace my Dear Dear Friend. Thank You for over 65 years of wonderful memories… From Peony Park to Creighton University to St. Margaret Mary’s and the latest here in Colorado to marry my Son Mike and our Memorial Day Breakfast. Mick
I have known Father Schwertlley since 1946.as his sister, Joanne,was a good friend. To me he was a “FUN” saint .Everyone loved and admired him. My prayers to the family!.
Our family met Fr. Jim while attending Saint Ann’s Church and School. He was positive and had the ability to see the goodness in all of us. He encouraged us to be the best of the best and never stop trying even if we couldn’t see the top of the trees. Lv and miss you Fr. Jim, until we meet again.
Prayers with him . He was my priest at holy angels
I think about Fr. Schwertley all these many years after listening to his lectures at the old Epley treatment center in Omaha in the late 1970’s. He was and will always be a major part of the foundation of my 42 plus years and counting sobriety. He will be missed but never forgotten. Steve Gross
Father always seemed to have the right sermon on those Sunday mornings. The 4 minute sermon. I have a copy of all his sermons. A treasured book. He always had time to visit after church while eating breakfast down the street. Thanks for the memories. CREIGHTON in Hastings Nebraska
Father Jim was a wonderful person. I’m glad God’s journey took him to St Ann Church and School. He touched many through his experiences in life. He will never be forgotten. Rest in God,s loving arms and pray for each other.
Jim was a great friend… many of our mutual friends from Conception attended his ordination.. Jim and I remained friends for many years… I would always enjoy his visit to Kansas City..often he and Brother Met Tichota would stay at my rectory always enjoyable Jerry Waris
“Doc” Schwertley was my grandparents family doctor, so Fr. Jim was truly a lifelong friend. I remember many a holiday meal, great stories, and all topped of by his mustard sandwiches. His was a powerful and graceful presence, and an embodiment of God’s love!
Father Jim officiated at our wedding in 1963. He told us at the time that he did not do temporary marriages so this was a permanent deal. He reminded us of this when he came to help celebrate our 40th anniversary. He was a dear soul and will be especially remembered for the Schwertley humor. Love and prayers.
Father Jim was a lifelong friend to my father. Molly & I were honored & grateful to have him come to Denver to officiate our wedding in 1993. Sad to say I had not talked to him in a few years. His wit & wisdom was always a comfort to my family. I will miss him.
Rest in God’s loving arms and keep us in your Heavenly Prayers.
Thank-you for Schwertley for touching so many who attended St. Mary Magdalene. You had a very special gift. Our oldest would only attend church there in his early 20’s. He was very touched by you, the welcoming atmosphere, the diversity and the ability to get Confession before each Mass. Thanks for all your groundbreaking work at the Catholic Charities Campus of Hope, I do believe we still have a refrigerator magnet with your picture asking us to pray for those who suffered from addictions. Thank-you and Rest in Peace.
Gus and Carol Dworak family
Father Schwertley was our assistant pastor in the mid 60’s at St. Ann’s Catholic Church. He was the greatest representative of Christ I have ever encountered.. He would bring Holy Communion to my beloved maternal nana when she was homebound suffering with cancer. His common sense view of life and his keen sense of humor made his visits both entertaining and something that we looked forward to. Father was the perfect priest: he lived his life helping others and delivering meaningful homilies that we could easily apply to our everyday lives. We know that everyone is smiling in heaven now with the addition of Fr. Jim. Rest in peace, Diane (Gigliotti) and John Shymanski
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