Name: Visitation for James Alden "Jim" Schwinkendorf
Start: 2025-03-07T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2025-03-08T00:00:00.000Z
Location: Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory - Ballwin

James Alden "Jim" Schwinkendorf, 81, of Pacific, Missouri, passed away Friday, Feb. 21, 2025.

Jim was born Dec. 22, 1943, in La Porte, Indiana, to Alden and Henrietta (Novak) Schwinkendorf. He attended St. Joseph Catholic School, La Porte High School and received both a bachelor's and master's degree from Purdue University. He served his country in the Army and was stationed in Vietnam. He lived in Griffith, Indiana, for 16 years where he served as a Grand Knight in the Knights of Columbus.

He had a lifelong love of the railroad, dedicating his professional life to numerous railroad companies, developing long-term friendships and giving back to the community. Jim worked for the EJ&E, Milwaukee Road and BNSF Railway, particularly enjoying being the train director for excursions with the Steam Engine SLSF 1522. He also volunteered his time teaching railroad safety as part of Operation Lifesaver, as well as sharing his love for the railroad with others. He was a model railroad enthusiast and spent his spare time creating railroad layouts.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Susan (Manke); and his son, Peter Schwinkendorf.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Goode; his daughter, Sarah Kelley (Tyler); and granddaughter, Paige; his sister, Phyllis Hardaway; nieces, Lisa Hardaway and Jennifer Hardaway; and great-nephew, Noah; step-son, Tadd Bednar (Cindy); step-grandsons, Tadd Jr. and Aidan; step-daughter, Susan (Charlie) Johnson; step-grandsons, Tucker and Nick; and step-great-granddaughter, Olive.

Memorial Mass will be held at Saint Bridget of Kildare Catholic Church, Pacific, Saturday, March 8, at 11 a.m. at Interment Resurrection Cemetery, Overland Park, Kansas.

If desired, contributions may be made to Dirks Fund Dog Rescue or Saint Bridget of Kildare Catholic Church.

Memorial visitation will be held at Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory, 14960 Manchester Road at Holloway, Ballwin, Friday, March 7, 4 to 6 p.m.

Friends may sign the family's online guestbook at Schrader.com.

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

Published by La Porte County Herald-Dispatch on Mar. 11, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for James Schwinkendorf

15 Entries

Michael V. Riley

March 13, 2025

I attended St. Joseph school with Jim and always enjoyed his friendship. He was also a very kind and sincere individual. Unfortunately, over the years, I lost touch with him even though we were often very close by, geographically. He had a very interesting and, I am sure, rewarding life. Please accept my condolences.

Val Novak Eilers

March 13, 2025

Very sorry Diane!! We last saw Jim at his mother´s funeral in LP. Enjoyed lunch with him and Phyllis. I was the youngest cousin so I didn´t know him as well as my older sister. I had always hoped to see his train display. And we enjoyed your Christmas letters thru the years.
Love and prayers to you!
Val (Novak) and Bob Eilers

Arlene R Novak

March 12, 2025

In 1955 - while on vacation with Jim and his family in Three Rivers Michigan - he taught me how to row a boat on Fishers Lake.

Arlene R Novak

March 12, 2025

Jim (1st cousin) taught me how to row a boat while on vacation with his family in Three Rivers Michigan - in about 1955.

Arlene R Novak

March 12, 2025

Jim (my 1st cousin) taught me how to row a boat when l was on vacation with his family in Three Rivers Michigan.

Linda Cook

March 12, 2025

Wonderful family in Griffith, Indiana
I was Peter´s teacher at St. Mary Catholic School; he was a fine student and the pride of his parents.

Pam Novak Kniola

March 12, 2025

Sorry to learn of Jim's passing. He was a 1st cousin on my Dad's side. Worried about him when I didn't receive a Christmas card. Prayers to his family.

Lynette Johnston

March 12, 2025

Sending sympathy to the family from La Porte High School Class of 1962! Jim was a valued member of our class.

Theodore Izak

March 11, 2025

I knew Jim from his days of living in Griffith Indiana. I was his insurance agent for his house insurance and had the opportunity of meeting him at his house for a tour of his home. We toured his basement which showed the most magnificent miniature train layout that I have ever seen. Our conversations equals how much that I was impressed with him as a true human being. RIP Jim

Jon Ell

March 8, 2025

Hi, I knew Jim through church and we both had a love for trains. Always fun to talk with. Very knowledgeable man. I know he was a big part of the reason why we now have a caboose and train watching pavilion in Pacific. Great guy. He will be missed. Condolences to his family and loved ones.

ross rowland

March 1, 2025

Jim did a great deal to bring the magic of steam to the general public. He will be very missed. RIP.

Catherine Mahoney

February 27, 2025

Our sincere sympathy, Mike (Doc) and Catherine Mahoney

John Cox

February 27, 2025

I met Jim 25 years ago and we had a few adventures together with the SP&S 700. I greatly appreciated our time together. The world will miss his presence.

Don, Kathy and Susan Timm

February 26, 2025

Jim was a wonderful neighbor for over 25 years and he will be missed. Prayers for Dianne his family.

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