James Albert Swartzmiller

James A. Swartzmiller of Worthington, passed away on February 1, 2017. He was born on December 4, 1933 in Bettsville, OH to the late Claude and Mary (Braden) Swartzmiller. Surviving Jim are his wife of 58 years Sandra (Ohl); son Jim Jr. (Dusty); daughter Sally; granddaughter Molly (Brian) Phelps; the love of his life granddaughter Abigail Kremer; great grandchildren Grace and Brendon Phelps; brothers Newton (Betty), William (Judy), and Robert (Judy) Swartzmiller; sisters Phyllis Neill and Sharon Leach; sister-in-law Sue Swartzmiller; and brother-in-law Gene Nagel. He was preceded in death by his brothers Keith, Larry and Richard Swartzmiller; sisters Lois Ziegler and Connie Nagel; and brothers-in-law John Ziegler and Elmer Neill.

Jim was a member of the United Methodist Church of Worthington and a 61 year member of the Attica Masonic Lodge #367 F&AM. He graduated from Thompson High School and The Ohio State University where in 1957 he received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He was employed in 1954 by the State of Ohio, Department of Natural Resources and was appointed Chief Engineer in 1969. During his tenure, 772 capital improvement projects totaling more than $230 million had been designed and constructed for the State under his direction. He retired from ODNR in 1985 and joined Clyde E. Williams and Associates as Vice President in charge of the Ohio office. He retired this position in 2000 then continued to work in the engineering field until 2007 when he finally retired to spend time with his family. As a Professional Engineer, Jim belonged to many professional and technical societies. In addition to engineering, Jim also enjoyed fishing, golfing and playing cards.

Visitation will be held at SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL, 6699 North High Street on Friday February 10, 2017 2-4 and 6-8pm. A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2017 at 11am with Andrew Hoover officiating. A private burial will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please make donations in Jim’s memory to Ohio Health Hospice by going to ohiohealthhospice.com