Work hard, play hard, love fiercely
In Memory of Jeff Schwarz
1969–2023
Jeff Schwarz was a proud Hoosier, respected business leader, and visionary in the corrugated packaging industry. Born and raised just north of Indianapolis, Jeff’s deep connection to Indiana shaped both his personal values and professional leadership style.
Jeff was known for his remarkable ability to connect with people. His sense of humor, humility, genuine care for others, and relentless work ethic made a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. He led with authenticity, generosity, and optimism, building meaningful relationships throughout his life and career.
Roots, Relationships, and Purpose
Born on September 4, 1971, in Hinsdale, Illinois, Jeff grew up in Indiana and attended Zionsville schools from grade school through high school. He excelled academically, graduating as Salutatorian, while also distinguishing himself in athletics and student leadership. Jeff served as class president, captained both the football and basketball teams, and competed in track and field.
In 1987, he played on Zionsville’s state championship football team, contributing on both offense and defense.
After graduating from Zionsville High School in 1991, Jeff attended Indiana University Bloomington, where he earned a degree in Economics in 1994 and graduated Phi Beta Kappa. He later earned his MBA from Miami University (Ohio) in 1996.
It was during his time at Indiana University that Jeff met Jill, who would become his wife and lifelong partner. They married on June 29, 1996, and built a life centered around family, shared experiences, and unwavering support for one another.
Above all, Jeff was devoted to his family. Sundays were reserved for time with Jill, Madison, and Andrew, whether watching football together, cooking new recipes, or enjoying time outdoors. He created meaningful traditions with each of his children and prioritized being fully present in their lives. Jeff also shared close relationships with his extended family, including his nieces and nephews.
Jeff’s Impact on the Business
Jeff began his career at Trey Corrugated in Cincinnati, working alongside his father, Jack Schwarz. He later joined Performance Corrugated, a startup company in Boston, before returning to Indiana in 1998 to help found Schwarz Partners with his father and brother, John.
Under Jeff’s leadership, Schwarz Partners grew into one of the most respected organizations in the corrugated packaging industry. While proud of the company’s success, Jeff always emphasized the people behind it. He believed deeply in teamwork, culture, and creating an environment where employees felt valued and supported.
Jeff fostered a workplace built on trust, collaboration, and shared success. He invested in relationships across the organization and was known for mentoring others, encouraging innovation, and recognizing the contributions of those around him. His leadership style combined high standards with approachability, creating a culture that balanced strong performance with genuine camaraderie.
Jeff’s influence extended throughout the broader corrugated packaging industry. He was widely respected for his vision, energy, and commitment to advancing the industry, and he was posthumously inducted into the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation (ICPF) Circle of Distinguished Leaders—an honor reserved for individuals whose leadership left a lasting impact.
A Life of Purpose and Community
Giving back was central to Jeff’s life. He played a key role in establishing the Schwarz Family Foundation, which provides scholarships to company employees and Hamilton Southeastern students. Jeff and Jill also joined the IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center Development Board in 2019 and became dedicated supporters of cancer research.
After Jeff’s diagnosis with glioblastoma in November 2022, the Schwarz family established the Schwarz Family and Friends Cancer Research Fund to support brain cancer research. In August 2023, this support helped Indiana University recruit Jia “Zach” Shen, PhD, whose laboratory focuses on understanding and preventing glioblastoma recurrence.
Jeff passed away peacefully in November 2023, surrounded by his beloved family—his wife, Jill, and their children, Madison and Andrew. Though his life was cut far too short, Jeff’s legacy continues through the family he cherished, the company he helped build, the industry he influenced, and the many lives he touched through his leadership, generosity, and example.
A Life Well Lived
Honoring Jeff Schwarz
Jeff, alongside his brother John and their father Jack, built Schwarz Partners with the belief that a company’s greatest strength is its people—and that commitment will always remain at its core.
Wherever Jeff went, he had a way of connecting with people and turning simple encounters into lasting friendships.
Jeff loved the corrugated and packaging business, and throughout the industry he was not only respected for his leadership, but loved by the people who had the privilege to work alongside him.
Jeff believed that hard work should always be balanced with enjoying life, and he made sure to live by that philosophy every day.
Jeff embraced every opportunity to travel, enjoying not only the places he visited but also the chance to learn from every experience along the way.
Jeff was truly loved by his family, friends, co-workers, and business associates, and his memory will live on in the many lives he touched while he will forever be missed.
A Devoted Fan and Proud Hoosier
A proud Hoosier through and through, Jeff’s love for sports ran deep and was always accompanied by enthusiasm and good-natured rivalry. He was a devoted fan of the Indianapolis Colts, followed Ganassi IndyCar racing with passion, and proudly supported Indiana University, his alma mater. And, perhaps most famously, Jeff never missed an opportunity to cheer for anyone playing against Purdue, a tradition that never failed to bring laughter and spirited banter to those around him.
Jeff profoundly impacted many lives as a husband, father, brother, friend, and leader. He will be missed beyond words and loved forever.