Schwoebel

James Robert “Jim” Schwoebel, 78, of Renfrew, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026.

Jim was born Feb. 13, 1948, in Pittsburgh, the second son of the late John Schwoebel and Bessie Goldbach Schwoebel. At an early age, his family moved to Cunningham Street in the City of Butler. Later, the family moved to Cooperstown.

Jim was a friendly, gregarious child, who would often be found having conversations on the porches of his older neighbors. He kept that friendly, sociable nature throughout most of his life. He loved to accompany his dad on trips “to the country” in the Herman area to visit relatives.

After graduating in 1966 from Mars High School, Jim enlisted in the U.S. Army. During the Vietnam era, while stationed in Germany, he served as a chaplain’s assistant and APC operator for two years. Following his active duty discharge, Jim enlisted in the Army Reserve and attended classes at the newly opened Butler County Community College. He later transferred to Edinboro University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education.

Jim met his wife, Susan “Sue” Reddick, on the BC3 campus. They were married Aug. 18, 1973, at St. Mary of the Assumption Roman Catholic Church in Herman. Jim and Sue celebrated their 52nd wedding anniversary in 2025.

Jim was a teacher at heart. His career began in 1989, as a science and physical education teacher at St. Mary Catholic School in Herman. He was a jack-of-all-trades as a substitute teacher for Freeport, South Butler and other surrounding school districts. Later, he became a driver education instructor at the Community College of Allegheny County in the North Hills, and, in his spare time, he offered private driving lessons.

Jim had many hobbies and interests. Travel and camping topped the list. He and his family visited nearly all 50 states and parts of Canada via Amtrak or camper. Jim enjoyed collecting model trains and many of the family vacation destinations included train rides, along with visits to museums and national parks. He and Sue spent two summers working at the Old Faithful General Store in Yellowstone National Park. For many years, his family maintained a camping site at Roaring Run Campground in Donegal, Pa., where they made many lifelong friends.

Jim always looked forward to the Christmas season when he could don his “red suit and white beard” for groups, schools, businesses, family and friends. In his spare time, he was often seen driving the East Butler Sparks Drum and Baton Corps bus to parades and events both far and near. He loved being in the garage tinkering around. He had a knack for repairing anything and everything. In his younger years, Jim was a darn good volleyball player.

At age 63, Jim suffered a brain aneurysm that substantially changed his life. Following one month in a UPMC Presbyterian Brain Injury Unit and two months at the Harmarville Rehabilitation Center, Jim was left to endure right-side paralysis and expressive aphasia (impaired ability to communicate), challenges that he and his family managed with patience and love the last 14 years of his life. He enjoyed receiving daytime care and occasional longer respite stays at the Sergeant Joseph George Kusick VA Community Living Center in Butler.

Jim is survived by his wife, Susan; daughter, Andrea Cook and her husband, Michael, of Richmond, Va.; son, Curtis Schwoebel and his wife, Sofia, of Gotene, Sweden; and grandchildren, Cash, Bailey, Nando, Isabelle, Jimmie and Hunter. Jim is also survived by his brother, John Schwoebel and his wife, Joanna, of Baden, Pa. Being a part of the Reddick and Schwoebel clans, Jim has MANY sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces and nephews.

From the friendly, gregarious “Little Jimmy Schwoebel” visiting on his neighbors’ porches to many more years welcoming friends and family on his patio, “Jimbo” will be remembered by all of those who have crossed his path.

SCHWOEBEL — There will be no public services for James Robert Schwoebel, who died Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026. His memory and giving nature will live on as a participant donor for the Humanity Gifts Registry.

A memorial gathering for family and friends will be planned for a later date.

Donations in memory of James Robert Schwoebel may be made to any veterans organization (VFW, American Legion, Wounded Warrior Project, DAV), or to the Aphasia Hope Foundation at www.aphasiahope.org.

Arrangements were entrusted to the care of MARTIN FUNERAL HOME SOUTH SIDE, 429 Center Ave., Butler.

To extend condolences to the Schwoebel family, please go to www.martinfh.net.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.