L. Jack Swertfeger Jr. of Atlanta, age 85 passed away peacefully on April 5, 2013, surrounded by his loving family at his 2nd home in Highlands, N.C. Jack was born November 5, 1927 in West Blockton, Alabama and graduated from Camp Hill High School. Jack attended Auburn University, where he completed his pre-law studies. Prior to completing his studies at Auburn, Jack entered the US Army as a volunteer in March, 1946, and served during the WWII emergency in South Korea.
Jack attended Emory University Law School where he earned his L.L.B. Degree in 1953 and served as the Executive Officer of the Emory Air Force ROTC Battalion. Upon graduation Jack was commissioned a 2nd Lt and after graduating he transferred to the Judge Advocate General Corp and was commissioned a 1st Lt. Jack received a Fellowship to attend New York University Law School where he obtained a postgraduate L.L.M. Degree in Trade Regulations in 1954.
Mr. Swertfeger began his successful law career in 1966 as president, director and senior attorney of Swertfeger & Scott PC, in Decatur, Georgia. Jack served as General Counsel and Director of First National Bank of DeKalb County (1972-1984) and as organizer, Director and Vice President of Attorneys Title Guaranty Fund, Inc. In 1984, he started the law firm of Shapiro and Swertfeger, LLP, where he was managing partner until December 2012.
Jack was a member of the Georgia and American Bar Associations, including being a past Chairman of the Real Property Law Section, a former member of the Executive Committee and the Board of Governors of the State Bar of Georgia (1967-75). Mr. Swertfeger served as a Special Assistant Attorney General for the State of Georgia from 1989-94 and he served as a Federal Multi-Family Foreclosure Commissioner for HUD for over 20 years.
Jack loved life and making new friends and was a supporter of many worthwhile causes. He was a member of the National Society of Sons of the American Revolution, Military Order of Stars and Bars, Sons of Confederate Veterans and The Gridiron Society of University of Georgia. He served as Treasurer and as a Trustee of the Georgia Civil War Heritage Trails, Inc. from 1999 until his death. It is a non-profit corporation developing heritage trails throughout Georgia. Jack was a devoted Christian and a member of First Baptist Church of Atlanta and the Christian Broadcasting Network. He was an enthusiastic fan of the Auburn Tigers and contributor to the University.
Jack is survived by his wife and childhood sweetheart, Ann Daniel Swertfeger and his 3 daughters, Suzanne Yeager, Kathryn Kreimer and Sheree Henry. He was the proud grandfather of 6 granddaughters, 2 grandsons and 4 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, June Russell, her husband Kenneth and 2 nieces and 1 nephew of Greencove Springs, Florida.
Visitation will be held Tuesday evening April 9th, at 6:00 pm, at H M Patterson & Sons, Spring Hill Chapel, 1020 Spring St. Atlanta, GA. Funeral Services will also be at Patterson & Sons, at 2:00 PM Wednesday, April 10th. Donations may be made to First Baptist Church of Atlanta and National Jewish Health in Denver, CO.
Online condolences may be made at hmpattersonspringhill.com.
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