John Raymond Schwartz III passed away on April 27, 2026, surrounded by family. Born in Buffalo, New York to Jack and Leona Schwartz in 1946 and raised in North Richland Hills, he built a life defined by compassion, justice, and service. He earned degrees from the University of North Texas and St. Mary’s University, protested injustices—including at the 1968 DNC—and worked with the ACLU, as well as serving as a private investigator.

He was a dedicated and thought-provoking educator. He taught and led schools, and helped develop Cassata, an alternative program dedicated to helping students complete high school regardless of circumstance. He retired after a decade-long tenure with Coolidge ISD. He found a passion in writing and authored books and short stories through the years.

John believed deeply in people’s potential and taught others to think critically, care for others, and recognize their own power to create change. His large, unconventional family was his greatest joy, and their bond reflects the love and legacy he leaves behind.

John was preceded in death by his father, John Raymond Schwartz Jr. (Jack), Mother Leona Marie Schwartz, brother James Francis Schwartz (Jim), and his aunt and uncle, Mary Betty and Frank Murphy

He is survived by his wife, Janice; children Matt Schwartz and wife Allison, Dan Schwartz and wife Marjie, Greg Schwartz and wife Trieu, Chaun Schwartz and partner Max Muzerie, Ernesto Trevino and wife Amber, Michael Trevino, Cassie Nowlin and husband Harley, Kristie Trevino and partner Wes Knox; grandchildren J.T and wife Sydney, Jarrett and partner Denny, Allie and partner Josh, Ashlynn, and Jack Vickery; Reghanne Nowlin and Isaac Foley; Austin Weaver and Gabriella and husband Marty Lumbert; Lucas and Daniel Hodge; Ryan and Jack Schwartz, Norah and Natalie Kranz; Rowan and Galen Schwartz; Esmae and Leona Schwartz; sister Kathy Williams and husband Chris; sister-in-law Nancy Schwartz; nephews Jeffrey and Michael Schwartz; nieces Kaitlyn Kloepper and Kara Best and families; cousins, the Murphy Girls and families; and a partridge in a pear tree.

Please join us for a Celebration of Life from 10:00a-12:00p Saturday, May 2, 2026, at 4717 Catalina Court, North Richland Hills, TX 76180. In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to your local Food Bank or to St. Jude. Use the provided link for St. Jude donations:
https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/DIY/DIY?pg=team&team_id=331719&fr_id=162728