James Leonard Schwartz

WINTHROP – James Leonard Schwartz died Nov. 26, 2024 after a long illness with dementia. My deepest appreciation to our girls for all their time spent with their dad in his final days. Jim was always so very proud of them.

James Leonard Schwartz “Bumpa” was born April 14, 1942, (the eldest of seven) in Green Bay, Wis. to Leonard and Mercedes Schwartz.

He graduated from East High Green Bay in 1961, went in the naval reserves for one year, then he enlisted in the U.S. Airforce from 1962-1966 and his first assignment was in Topsham, 2nd assignment was Malmstrom AFB, Great Falls, Mont., where both girls were born.

James retired from Hannaford after 51 years, starting with Progressive Distributors in 1970; then Hannaford in Waterville; Mister Market; and then Hannaford in Winthrop.

He was a 55-year member of Alfred W. Maxwell, Jr. Post 40, American Legion. Prior to dementia, he enjoyed his crosswords, especially the daily KJ; he was an avid reader, especially history and sports. He loved to watch the History Channel and “Judge Judy”.

Most of all, James enjoyed his sports. During the 1970s he coached little leagues and umpired American Legion baseball. He followed the Red Sox, Patriots and you never could interrupt his Green Bay Packers games. He was an original “cheesehead”. He was a country music fan, especially Johnny Cash, as he owned every record and cd.

He was predeceased by his parents; two sisters, Mary Hayden and her partner (Bernie) and Katie Senn; a brother, Tom Schwartz and sister-in-law Karen Schwartz; goddaughter, Kim Crocker; and infant nephew, Stephen.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Joanna (Norcross) Schwartz; daughters Andrea Beecher (Chuck) and Diana Ashcroft (Bob); grandchildren, which were his pride and joy, Troy Ashcroft, Valerie Ashcroft (fiancé Sean LeClaire); stepdaughter, Vivianna, Matthew Beecher (partner Hannah Ulcickas); and our first great-grandchild, River James Leclair, (born the day following Jim’s passing); three brothers, Gary (Madeline), Len (Patti) and Rick, all of Wisconsin, sister-in-law, Lynn Schwartz; brother-in-law, Pete Senn, special sister-in-law, Jane Berthiaume (Guy); and many cousins, nieces and nephews.

Much appreciation to our relatives, friends and neighbors for this kindness and support during this long journey. Many thanks to the staff at Togus Springs Hospice Unit.

Relatives and friends are invited to a graveside committal service with full military honors at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, at Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mount Vernon Rd., Augusta.

Arrangements and guidance are in the care of Roberts Funeral Home and Cremation Care, 62 Bowdoin St., Winthrop.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared with the family on the obituary page of the Roberts Funeral Home website, http://www.khrfuneralhomes.com

Donations can be made to the

Travis Mills Foundation

647 Castle Island Road,

Mt. Vernon, ME 04352 or

Togus Springs

Togus VA Medical Center

1 VA Center,

Augusta, ME 04330