James W. Sweitzer

James W. Sweitzer, 71, of Okeechobee, Florida and a former Dover resident died Saturday, January 23, 2016 after suffering from a heart attack the week prior.

Jim was a crane operator for the former Contini Structural Steel and previously operated Sweitzer Construction both in Dover.

Born Nov. 2, 1944 in Canton, Ohio, he was the son of the late R. William and Jeanne M. (O'Brien) Sweitzer. In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon (Contini) Sweitzer of 18 years who died Aug. 5, 1982.

He was involved in Alcoholics Anonymous for over 30 years and dedicated his life to helping countless people from Ohio and Florida. He was a loving father, grandpa and brother.


Jim was a member and Past Exalted Ruler of the former Dover Elks Lodge #975 and the Operating Engineers Local Union. He graduated from Dover High School in 1963 and was an outstanding athlete in basketball, football and baseball. He was also a member of the Dover Basketeers. He was an avid Buckeye and Browns fan.

He is survived by four sons and a daughter; Joe (Sue) Yost of Uniontown, Ohio, Michael J. Sweitzer of Boca Raton, Florida, Christopher (Ruth) Sweitzer of San Diego, California, Andrew J. Sweitzer of Okeechobee, Florida., and Catherine A. (David) Whetzel of Upper Arlington, Ohio; 10 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren; six brothers, Tom R. Sweitzer of Dover, Bob S. (Mel) Sweitzer of Dover, Jack J. (Pam) Sweitzer of New Philadelphia, Ralph W. (Barb) Sweitzer of Saline, Michigan, Peter M. (Kay) Sweitzer of Rapid City, South Dakota and Daniel B. (Frances) Sweitzer of Boca Raton, Florida along with many nieces and nephews and his little dog, Willie.

A memorial mass will be held Saturday, Feb. 6, 2016 beginning at 11am in the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dover with Fr. Jimmy Hatfield officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Calvary Cemetery at Dover. A reception will follow in the Toland-Herzig Monarch Center. Friends may call at the Toland-Herzig Funeral Home & Crematory in Dover on Friday from 5-8pm. Christian Wake services will be Friday at 8pm. Those unable to attend or who may wish to express a fond memory of Jim can sign the online guestbook by visiting the "obituaries and flowers" link on the funeral home website at www.tolandherzig.com

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. Joseph Catholic Church in Dover or Community Hospice House in New Philadelphia, Ohio.