A much-loved husband, father, uncle, brother and amazing teacher, Jeffrey Edward Schwarz, 65, of Austin Texas passed away on September 28, 2013. Jeff confronted and bravely fought tonsil cancer for the last four years. He was born December 6, 1947 in Freer Texas to Hellmuth Louis and Edna Ella Schwarz. Jeff Graduated from William Adams High School in Alice Texas in 1966; he was salutatorian of his class. Jeff then played football for Rice University and graduated with a bachelor of science in biology in 1970.

Jeff was a high school Biology and Aquatic Science teacher who recently retired after 41 years of teaching. He taught in Houston, Dallas and for the last 36 years in Austin; first Reagan High School and most recently Anderson High School. Over the years, Jeff has taught and inspired thousands of students with his love of nature, the ocean, and science. Jeff is most known for his Texas Hawaii program; a 35 day program in which students received Science credit in Honors Environmental Systems. For 35 years, Jeff exposed high school students to the volcano geology, marine biology, and ecology of the Hawaiian Islands. Jeff was an avid scuba diver, hiker and backpacker who loved to share his passion for the islands and outdoors with his students, coworkers and family. He was a natural born teacher both inside and out of the classroom, and his enthusiasm for life and the science of all things was infectious.

He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years, Pam Pugh Schwarz; his daughters Meagan Lindsay Schwarz and Melissa Erin Schwarz; son Matthew Jeffrey Schwarz; sister Jeri Lynn Rutledge and husband Sidney (Pud); nephews Tanner Pugh and Kevin Sullivan; nieces Stephanee Potts and husband Zach; Ashley Roberts and husband Jason; Lindsey Pugh and Cristin Sullivan.  Jeff was preceded in death by his parents Hellmuth Louis and Edna Ella Schwarz. 

 

A memorial service will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday - October 5, 2013 at:

 

Triumphant Love Lutheran Church

9508 Great Hills Trail

Austin, Texas 78759.

 

A reception will follow to celebrate Jeff's incredible life. The family asks all who plan to attend to please wear Aloha shirts or bright colors in remembrance of Jeff.
 

In lieu of flowers, please send all memorials to:

The American Institute for Cancer Research
P.O. Box 91493
Washington DC 20090-1493

Hospice Austin's Christopher House
2820 E. Marin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
Austin, TX 78702