James Porch Schwartz passed away on Tuesday, May 8, 2012, at the age 90. He was born September 6, 1921, in New Orleans, Louisiana to Otto Schwartz and Elizabeth Porch Schwartz . He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Mary Frances Higbee; their children James Porch Schwartz , Jr. and John Sanders Schwartz; grandson John Sanders Westover-Schwartz; four granddaughters, Leslie Schwartz Merchant, Christiane Schwartz Gammage, Sellers Westover-Schwartz and Elizabeth (Libby) Mary Schwartz; and five great grandchildren.

A graduate of Sewanee Military Academy, James attended Tulane University and was a member of the Delta Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He proudly served his country as a pilot in the United States Air Force in Europe flying 57 combat missions and attaining the rank of Captain, Squad Operations Officer. During his service he received many awards including the President's Citation Award Distinguished Flying Cross, an Air Medal with 10 Oak Leaf Clusters, and a European Theater Ribbon.

Upon leaving the military, Mr. Schwartz entered into a long and prosperous career that afforded him many opportunities, associations and friendships. He was Secretary/Treasurer of Schwartz Supply, Vice President of Sales for Louisiana Industries, President and Principal Stockholder of Jimco, Inc., where he retired as Chairman of the Board in 1994. Mr. Schwartz was a member of or involved in the following business associations: Board of the Business Council of New Orleans and member of the Executive Committee, member of the Board of National Ready Mix Concrete Association, Board of Construction Industry and First Vice President-Chairman of South Central Promotion, Committee of NRMCA Member of Chamber of Commerce – Committee of "50", Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, Public Affairs Research, Louisiana Aggregate and Concrete Association and the World Trade Center Board and Executive Committee.

He also donated this time to the following civic boards and social organizations: Past President of Great New Orleans Federation of Churches and member of the Executive Committee, Chairman of Salvation Army Advisory Board (two terms), President of Metropolitan Crime Commission (four terms), Finance Chairman for Congressman David C. Treen, member of the Board of International House, member of the Board of YMCA, member of the Board of Junior Achievement, Sons of the Revolution for the State of Louisiana, Military Order of Foreign Wars, Military Order of World Wars, member of the Board of 410th Bomb Group Association, Bienville Club, Metairie Country Club, the Grandfather Golf and Country Club in Linville, North Carolina, The Elk River Club in Banner Elk, North Carolina and Beau Chene Country Club. Mr. Schwartz was also a former Deacon at St. Charles Ave Presbyterian and Metairie Ridge Presbyterian Churches.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 12, 2012, at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd in New Orleans. A Visitation will be held at the funeral home beginning at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow in Metairie Cemetery. For those so desiring, memorials in honor of Mr. James Porch Schwartz may be made to the Salvation Army or the World War II Museum.