Birth date: Dec 14, 1931 Death date: Oct 13, 2017
James William Swart, age 85, of Spring Lake, passed away in Grand Haven, Michigan on October 13th, 2017. He was born on December 14th , 1931 in Grand Haven, Michigan, to the late William James Swart and the late Anne Burns Swart. Read Obituary
Always enjoyed Jim coming in to get his haircut. I was privileged to do it, & enjoyed his sense of humor. My thoughts & prayers go out to Edie & family. May the Lord heal your grieving hearts, knowing Jim was loved by all who knew him.
Few individuals left an impact on me to the extent Jim Swart did. In the spring of 1992 I first met Jim. He was known to me by his architectural reputation, but little else more. During this first meeting Jim convinced me, in a very humble way, that he was the man we needed to run our architectural department at The Randers Group, Inc. Shortly thereafter Jim joined our team and we saw his leadership and design skills dramatically improve our capabilities and outreach. Not only did Jim step into the heavy industrial markets comprising the bulk of our contracts but he brought in new work on medical, religious, commercial, and residential projects. Our staff grew and respected his design skills and ethical standards. Whenever we ran into a “problem” design Jim would shut his door, and focus on the options. Hours or days later he would emerge with the best design concept and a plan to get it done on budget. Jim became the principal force in growing the architectural arm of the business. He had the respect of all the staff, including the senior officers.
Over the years our family interactions grew to include many joint vacations at our South Carolina and Florida condos. We became good friends not just co-workers, as did our wives, and through Jim’s assistance we joined the Spring Lake Country Club and spent many enjoyable evenings over dinner and golf. Jim and Edie brought us into their friendship circle and we included them with our friends. Many wonderful memories were created. My recollections are full of instances where Jim’s humor, candor, humility, and generosity made our times together special. Who would have guessed a “Sparty” and a “Wolverine” could have become such good friends! He was a remarkable man whose character, business acumen, and honesty made each day with him special. It has been my privilege to know and work with Jim Swart and I will miss him dearly.
Tom & Vicki Eurich
I will always be thankful for the opportunity Jim gave me as a young architect to come and work with him at Randers in Norton Shores. He was a great inspiration and mentor. While we didn't always agree on things, especially our sports team allegiances, he will always be a part of me. I send my condolences to his entire family. Looking forward to someday getting to joke with him again about his computer prowess. :)
Ellen and family...I'm sorry for your loss. My best to all. Julie Hall Pekrul
