Darrell James Schwalm

Darrell James Schwalm, age 81, passed away peacefully on January 26, 2026, at Shenandoah Valley Hospice House in Fishersville, Va., with Jane, his wife of nearly 50 years, holding his hand. A beloved husband, father of five, and grandfather of nine, Darrell will be remembered for his love of family, his faith, his lifelong dedication to public service, and his boundless curiosity.

Darrell was born on May 7, 1944 in Detroit to the late Donald and Dorothy (Benish) Schwalm. Darrell earned a BS and MPH from the University of Michigan, a JD from Suffolk University Law School, and an M.Ed from George Mason University. He served in the office of the Surgeon General and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration before retiring from the U.S. Public Health Service as a captain.

He is survived by his beloved family: His wife Jane (VanDanich); children Mark (Sara) of N. Andover, MA and Brian(Meghan) of Boulder, CO, (from his first marriage; Christopher, (Haley) from Vienna, VA Jeffrey, (Amber) from Charlottesville, VA and Lisa Liberati (Nate) from Marietta, GA; grandchildren Sydney, Tyler, Afton, Eileen, Nolan, Rowan, Margo, Sadie, and Sawyer; his two brother Jay (Pamela) and Devon (Carmel) and his nieces and nephews.

Darrell and Jane began their life together in the Boston area. In 1982, they moved to Sterling, Va, where they lived for over two decades before retiring to Staunton, Va. They cherished summers spent at their second home on Mullett Lake, Michigan. Darrell and Jane became avid travelers, embracing opportunities to explore new places, cultures, and histories together.

Darrell loved to be outdoors-to fish, kayak, hike, and explore. He found joy in life's quieter moments, tying flies, stream monitoring, counting migratory birds and butterflies, and teaching his children and grandchildren to slow down and notice the beauty around them. He also loved being a coach, spectator and scout leader for his children. Darrell was involved in numerous causes, taught environmental stewardship, and earned recognition as Environmental Volunteer of the Year in Loudoun County. While living in Loudoun County he was active in many environmental organizations. In Staunton he was a member of the Friends of the Middle River, Augusta Bird Club, Earth Day Committee, Kites and Critters, Backyard Bird Count, Christmas Bird Count, River Fest in Waynesboro, as well as stocking streams with Water and Soil Conservation.

A Celebration of his life will be held on Friday, February 27th at 4:00 PM at Sterling United Methodist of which the family were members. Please come and share your stories of Darrell.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made for the Rock Steady program at the Staunton YMCA (708 N. Coalter St., Staunton, VA 24401) in his name a program designed for those with Parkinson Disease which he attended for several years until he was no longer able to. Additionally the family wishes to thank and acknowledge the support given from the Shenandoah Valley Hospice and contributions made be sent to the Augusta Health Foundation, PO Box 1000, Fishersville, VA 22939 earmarked for Shenandoah House Hospice in Darrell's name.

Darrell James Schwalm