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James Sweitzer Obituary

James W. Sweitzer 1944-2016
Age 71, of Okeechobee, Fla. and a former Dover resident died Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016 after suffering from a heart attack the week prior. Jim was a crane operator for the former Contini Structural Steel and previously operated Sweitzer Construction both in Dover. Born Nov. 2, 1944 in Canton, Ohio, he was the son of the late R. William and Jeanne M. (O'Brien) Sweitzer. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon (Contini) Sweitzer of 18 years who died Aug. 5, 1982.
He was involved in Alcoholics Anonymous for over 30 years and dedicated his life to helping countless people from Ohio and Florida. He was a loving father, grandpa and brother. Jim was a member and Past Exalted Ruler of the former Dover Elks Lodge #975 and the Operating Engineers Local Union. He graduated from Dover High School in 1963 and was an outstanding athlete in basketball, football and baseball. He was also a member of the Dover Basketeers. He was an avid Buckeye and Browns fan.
He is survived by four sons and a daughter; Joe (Sue) Yost of Uniontown, Ohio, Michael J. Sweitzer of Boca Raton, Florida, Christopher (Ruth) Sweitzer of San Diego, California, Andrew J. Sweitzer of Okeechobee, Florida., and Catherine A. (David) Whetzel of Upper Arlington, Ohio; 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren; six brothers, Tom R. Sweitzer of Dover, Bob S. (Mel) Sweitzer of Dover, Jack J. (Pam) Sweitzer of New Philadelphia, Ralph W. (Barb) Sweitzer of Saline, Michigan, Peter M. (Kay) Sweitzer of Rapid City, South Dakota and Daniel B. (Frances) Sweitzer of Boca Raton, Florida along with many nieces and nephews and his little dog, Willie.
A memorial mass will be held Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016 beginning at 11 a.m. in the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dover with Fr. Jimmy Hatfield officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Calvary Cemetery at Dover. A reception will follow in the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center. Friends may call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover on Friday from 5-8 p.m. Christian Wake services will be Friday at 8pm. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Jim can sign the online guestbook by visiting the "obituaries and flowers" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dover or Community Hospice House in New Philadelphia, Ohio.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Times Reporter on Feb. 1, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
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4 Entries

Bill McIlvaine

February 5, 2016

Debbie and I were saddened to learn of Jim's death. He was an outstanding athlete, and an even better brother to you boys.Thinking of you all, and keeping you in our prayers.

Brian Oliver

February 2, 2016

So very sorry to learn of Jim's death. Many, many great memories of growing up on Dover Avenue with all the Sweitzer boys! Please accept my heartfelt sympathies and condolences during this difficult time.

Ron Dessecker

February 2, 2016

To the Sweitzer family, my thoughts are with you. Jim was a great athlete, one tuff guy! He had that laugh that I will never forget

John Contini

February 1, 2016

One of the best all around athletes to come out of Dover High. Talked to him about his trip to Italy and the wonderful time he had visiting those relatives he never met before who accepted him as family. My condolences to his family

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Funeral services provided by:

Toland-Herzig Funeral Homes & Crematory, Inc. - Dover

803 N Wooster Ave, Dover, OH 44622

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