James Milton Schwentker, Jr.

James “Jim” Milton Schwentker, Jr., 87, of Evansville, passed away peacefully with family members surrounding him with love on Tuesday, August 7, 2012, at VNA Charlier Hospice Center. He was born June 5, 1925, in Evansville, to the late James Sr. and Adele (Andres) Schwentker. He was a loving and devoted husband and loving, supportive father.

He graduated from Indiana University and later served as President of the Vanderburgh County I.U. Alumni Board. While a student at I.U. he was elected to the Blue Key National Honor Fraternity, was a member of the first Student Senate, a member of the Sphinx Club and President of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity. He attended Columbia Law School and received a Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree from Indiana University Law School in 1952.

Jim served in the U.S. Army Medical Department and spent 38 months on active duty in World War II, including overseas duty in the Philippines. He was recalled to active duty during the Korean War.

He practiced law for over 50 years with integrity and compassion. He was a co-founder and incorporator of the Legal Aid Society of Evansville, serving as its President during the late 1950’s. He was a member of the Local, State and National Bar Associations. Jim served as President of the Evansville Bar Association and was on the Board of Managers of the Indiana State Bar Association. He was also a member of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.

Jim was a member of the Methodist Temple and served the church in many capacities through the years including Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He was a Director and Officer of the Evansville District Missionary and Church Extension Society of the Methodist Church. He also was a member of the Reconciling Ministries Network, a national organization working for full participation of people of all sexual orientations and gender identities in the life of the United Methodist Church.

He served as President of the Vanderburgh County Society for Crippled Children and Adults (currently The Rehabilitation Center) and the Evansville Rotary Club. He was also a Paul Harris Fellow. Among the Boards of Directors on which Jim sat were the Evansville Philharmonic Orchestra, Vanderburgh County Tuberculosis Association, Goodwill Industries, Planned Parenthood of Evansville, Junior Achievement of Evansville and the Good Samaritan Home, of which he was an Incorporator. He was a Trustee of the YWCA and was on the Men’s Advisory Committee of the Evansville Public Health Nursing Association (currently VNA Plus). Jim served as a member of the President’s Club Executive Committee of the University of Evansville. He was an enthusiastic supporter of his hometown community and gave generously to many organizations.

Passionate about the game of tennis for many years, Jim won many tournaments including the Evansville City Men’s Doubles Champion in 1965 and the Indiana Senior Doubles Champion in 1973. He also loved to travel, took pleasure in playing the piano and enjoyed reading books on Religion, Philosophy and Science. To those who knew him well, Jim had prowess with a good joke, and, when asked, could often be persuaded to recite a favorite limerick or two.

Jim is survived by his wife of 55 years, Joann (Wetzel) Schwentker; sons, James M. Schwentker, III of Los Angeles, CA and Robert Andres Schwentker of Oakland, CA; daughter, Suzanne Adele McLemore of Franklin, TN; son-in-law, Franco Carbone; daughter-in-law, Rosa Granadillo-Schwentker; grandchildren, Hannah, Bridget and Colin McLemore; sister, Carolyn Daus; brother, John (Jean) Schwentker; brother-in-law, John (Susan) Wetzel; and many nieces and nephews.

A Worship Service and Celebration of Jim’s life will be held at 1:30 PM Saturday, August 25, 2012, at Neu Chapel on Rotherwood (the University of Evansville Campus), officiated by Rev. Steve Beutler. Golf cart service will be available from the parking lot on Rotherwood. Friends may visit Friday, August 24, 2012, from 4:00 to 7:00 PM at Alexander East Chapel, 2115 Lincoln Avenue. Additionally, there will be visitation Saturday at Neu Chapel from 12:30 PM until service time. A Family Inurnment Service will be held at 1:00 PM on Sunday, August 26, 2012, at the Methodist Temple Garden Columbarium, 2109 Lincoln Avenue.

The family wishes to thank Jim’s doctors, James Hambidge and Asem Rimawi, as well as his many caregivers and staff at St. Mary’s Medical Center, Angel River Healthcare and VNA Plus Hospice.

Memorial contributions may be made to the University of Evansville, James and Joann Schwentker Endowment, 1800 Lincoln Avenue, Evansville, IN 47722 or to a charity of one’s choice. Condolences may be made online at www.AlexanderEastChapel.com.