Jim Schwiesow

Jimmy R. Schwiesow, 80, passed away on Wednesday, December 19, 2018, at the Orange City Area Health System. Visitation with family will be held on Wednesday, December 26 at 9:30am at the American Reformed Church in Orange City, Iowa. The funeral service will follow at 11:00am, with Reverend Michael Hardeman officiating. A reception will follow at First Reformed Church in Orange City. Burial will be following the reception, at Grace Hill Cemetery in Hawarden, Iowa, with the Porter Funeral home assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to www.porterfuneralhomes.com.

Jim was born on January 21, 1938 in Hawarden, Iowa to Henry J.D. and Naomi (Waterman) Schwiesow. He grew up in Hawarden, attending the Hawarden school system.

On January 21, 1955 he enlisted in the United States Army. After Basic training and eight weeks of Military Police schooling, Jim was transferred to Germany where he was assigned to the 287th M.P. Company of the Berlin Brigade.

In Berlin, he met Ingrid Walter, a young German girl, while hanging out on Kurferstendamm. They fell in love and were married in Berlin on June 5, 1957. Jim returned to the states at the end of that same year and separated from active duty service. He continued to serve in the Army Reserve until his final discharge in 1964.

After Jim’s return stateside, he and his wife moved to Gastonia, NC, where they lived for about a year. In 1958, they moved to Sioux City, IA, where Jim worked for JCPenney and the Metz Baking Corporation.

In 1962 Jim joined the Hawarden Police Department. He was a Sergeant on the police force until January of 1977. In 1972, he graduated from Sioux Empire College (SECO) with an AA degree in Liberal Arts/General Studies (summa cum laude). He taught history at SECO from 1973-1976.

In June of 1976, Jim was elected to his first term as the Sioux County Sheriff. He held that office from January 1, 1977 until his retirement January 3, 2005. Jim was very proud of his legacy as Sheriff of Sioux County. During his tenure, his office expanded from a three-person agency with no 911 assistance, to a large operation with a full communications department, housed in a new jail complex on the outskirts of Orange City. While Sheriff, Jim was elected Iowa Sheriff of the Year in 1979, and Governor Terry Branstad appointed him to two consecutive four-year terms on the Iowa Board of Corrections. During his tenure, he was a member of the Iowa State Sheriffs’ & Deputies’ Association and the National Sheriffs’ Association.

Jim and his family moved to Orange City in December 1978. He was a member of the American Reformed Church, where he served on the consistory.

After retirement, Jim enjoyed building and repairing computers, and writing opinion pieces for an online conservative magazine. He was an avid gun collector and member of the NRA. Ingrid passed away on October 22, 2016, after 59 years of marriage.

Jim is survived by his 3 daughters, Rene Schwiesow of Marshfield, MA, Shelly (Corby) Walde of Sergeant Bluff, IA, and Dureen (Jeff) Siebersma of San Antonio, TX; 8 grandchildren, Patrick and Chad McGuigan, Olivia and Mitchell Walde, and Jessica, Megan, Noah and Elijah Siebersma; 2 sisters, Dorothy Heintz of Nevada, IA and Marcene (Les) Ludwigs of Hawarden, IA; a brother, Mel Schwiesow of Ireton, IA; a sister-in-law, Pam Schwiesow of LeMars, IA; many nieces and nephews, and their extended families.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Patty Dick, a brother, Kent Schwiesow, and a brother-in-law, Max Heintz.

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Only a day ago, I discovered Jim crossed over. I last corresponded with him in the summer of 2018. Like others who knew of Jim but never met in person, I first was acquainted from articles he wrote on newswithviews.com. Also a native of NW Iowa, we hit it off for 10 years from various health topics to politics and most of all the Bible. It was a blessing to me to have communicated over the miles and years. I often told Jim that he was a "wordsmith" by the way he could use words to convey his insight and thots to readers. I wish i could have helped him more over the years.

Dr. Allen S. Hoaglund Mar 15 2019 12:00 AM

Shelly & Corby:
My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jerry Boger Dec 30 2018 12:00 AM

I am deeply saddened to hear of Jim's passing. Jim and Ingrid were remarkable people, intelligent, and big-hearted. I loved being able to groom their pet dogs for several decades. May he rest in peace, rejoined in heaven with his beloved ingrid.

Paula Altena Dec 23 2018 12:00 AM

The loss of a great man weighs heavily on the family. Jim and I became acquainted in 1974 when I read an article written by him in the IACP magazine. Called him, we never met but continued a 44 year friendship via the Internet. And do not fret, "death is just a doorway to a new plain of existence", Eternal life with our Lord.

Aug Schwiesow Dec 23 2018 12:00 AM

To Jim's family, our deepest sympathies for your loss. Your family can be proud of his life and accomplishments. Jim was a true friend and a great person. We shall keep him in our memories for as long as we live.

Tom and Cheri Sedgwick Dec 22 2018 12:00 AM

Lowell & I send our deepest condolences from Arizona to the entire extended family on the loss of cousin Jim. My father Nolen & his mother Naomi were brother & sister.

Corrinne Waterman Reed Dec 22 2018 12:00 AM

So sorry to hear of your loss. Blessings to you this Christmas season knowing he is reunited with his beautiful wife and family.
Rocky and Alice Waterman

Alice Waterman Dec 22 2018 12:00 AM

I am so sorry for your loss. Your father, grandfather was an amazing man and led a life of service to others. I know this season is difficult and you all will be in my prayers. Blessings and love your way.

Kally Dec 22 2018 12:00 AM

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