| Dr. Jeremiah Edward “Dr. J.” Schwartz, 79, passed away peacefully in his sleep surrounded by family on July 1, 2025, in Bellingham, Washington. Born on September 18th, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Jeremiah lived a life marked by intellectual depth, quiet strength, and enduring compassion.
Jeremiah pursued his academic journey with distinction, earning degrees from Rochester University in New York and later graduating Summa Cum Laude with a doctorate in psychology from Columbia University. His dedication to understanding the human mind and spirit shaped a lifelong career of service and healing.
Professionally, Jeremiah made a profound impact as the director of Adult Day Health in Bellingham. In addition to his leadership role, he maintained a private practice at Bayside Therapy Associates for many years. His commitment to his clients never wavered; he continued practicing until the very end of his life.
He met his wife Leslie Grace in 2003 at a musical performance. Music and dance were something they both shared a love for, including the Dances of Universal Peace and just dancing in the living room together. They loved to play and sing, together. His beautiful voice is greatly missed.
Jeremiah’s personal life was as rich and meaningful as his professional one. He is lovingly remembered by his daughters Lorelei LaBella (with Paul Nicklin) and Sadie Green (with Sanjeev Ranabhat), and by his grandsons Xander and Chandra. He also leaves behind Aunt Jean, cousins Dana and David Kershner, nieces Marci and Shari, and a wide circle of those who were touched by his presence.
He was preceded in death by his parents Diane Kershner Schwartz and Louis Schwartz, his sister Eleanor ” Ellie,” niece Lisa, grandparents Esther and Morris Kershner, Uncle Irvin Kershner, Aunt Bebe, Uncle Joe, and cousin Evie.
A man of many talents and interests, Jeremiah found joy in music; he played the banjo, drums, and ukulele with equal passion. He was a gifted writer who penned poems, music compositions, and even a memoir. His book, Earth and Fire, a Tale of Mexico, captured the essence of his thoughtful nature.
During the early 1970’s he dropped out and moved to Whatcom County, lived at David Wexler’s commune on Lake Samish, labored with migrant farm workers in the orchards of Eastern Washington and lived with his adopted Nooksack family, Jimmy Fidele and grandma Esther, and wrote his doctoral dissertation by oil lamp.
For over four decades, he immersed himself in the world of Dungeons and Dragons, a game that became more than just recreation–a source of deep camaraderie. His loyal band of fellow adventurers–Mark Sherman, Mark Radel, Michael Cohen, Corky Borders, and John Carter–shared not only countless campaigns but an unbreakable bond that stood the test of time.
Jeremiah also loved poker, a game that reflected both his strategic mind and playful spirit. Though deeply spiritual, he chose not to define his beliefs within traditional boundaries. Instead, he lived with a quiet reverence for life’s mysteries.
Those who knew Jeremiah remember him as kind-hearted, intelligent, gentle yet strong-willed, a man whose presence brought calm reflection or laughter depending on what was needed most.
May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him and continue to inspire those whose lives he touched. A celebration of Jeremiah’s life will be held on September 13, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. at the Center for Spiritual Living, 2224 Yew Street Road.
Donations can be made to the Whatcom Hospice House at 2800 Douglas Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225. |
