James L. Schwallenberg

On December 9, 2025, James Lester Schwallenberg—known to family and friends as Jim or Jimmy—was born April 4, 1936, in Annapolis, Maryland, to Dorothy (née Tilman) and William Schwallenberg. One of eighteen children, Jim developed a lifelong love of animals from an early age. He raised award-winning collies, Duke and Duchess, kept a rooster named Heathcliff, and had a special fondness for horses.

After graduating from high school, Jim worked as an assistant to Dr. W. H. Mitchell, DVM. In 1958, he joined the United States Air Force, where he served in the Communications Group and held top-secret clearance as a Crypto Operator. While stationed at Camp John Hay in the Philippines, Jim met the love of his life, Margaret “Peggy” Bowler. The couple married in June 1963.

Jim’s military service took the family to New Hampshire and he was later deployed to Turkey during the Cyprus Crisis in 1965. He was honorably discharged in 1966, after which Jim and Peggy embarked on tour of Europe.

The couple later returned to Cebu, Philippines, where Peggy’s family resided. Jim pursued higher education at La Salle University, earning a degree in accounting. The family eventually returned to Annapolis, where Jim began a long and dedicated career with the State of Maryland. He served in the Department of Social Services, the Comptroller’s Office, and the Department of Motor Vehicles.

Jim and Peggy purchased a home in Hillsmere Shores, where they raised their family and remained active members of the community for the rest of their lives. Jim was deeply involved with the Hillsmere Shores Improvement Association, serving in many roles over the years. After converting to Catholicism upon meeting Peggy, he became a devoted member of St. Mary’s Parish.

Jim was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Peggy. They are now reunited.

A receiving of friends will be held at John M. Taylor Funeral Home, located at 147 Duke of Gloucester St, Annapolis, MD, 21401, on December 20, 2025, from 1 to 1:45 pm.

The funeral service will follow in the Funeral Home Chapel at 2 pm.