01/08/2025
Rev. John Switzer, Ph.D.
In Memoriam (July 17, 1960 – December 27, 2024)
God has made all of his children unique, but John Switzer was perhaps more unique than most. Anyone who knew John can attest to his passion, faith, intellect, charm, good humor, odd political beliefs, and a love for everyone he came into contact with. But John’s special ability to make each person feel as if they are the most important one he had ever met is a very rare quality. I would ask him how he was, and his reply would be, “Better for having seen you!” Said like he meant it, because he did.
I first began working at Spring Hill College in November 2002, and my memory is that John was already serving as an adjunct professor for the Theology Department at that time. He might have come later than that. The College Bulletin shows his dates teaching as 2006 until 2021 when he retired as an Emeritus Professor and went on to his next career serving as rector of St. Pierre’s Episcopal parish in Gautier, Mississippi. The people at St. Pierre’s found good fortune with this placement by the diocese.
During his time at Spring Hill College, John taught theology courses on Vatican II, Church History, Religion & Culture, Intro to Christian Theology, and many graduate courses, often involving interreligious studies and taught during the Summer Institute of Christian Spirituality. John was passionate on the subjects of ecumenism and dialogue between religions. John also spent several years as the Director of Graduate Theology at Spring Hill.
John was a loving husband to his wife, Patsy. John loved good food and drink, and time spent with friends and loved ones, and the many pets he and Patsy had through the years. I think I make a pretty darn good Manhattan; John made one that was better. I try to do my best to treat everyone as Christ might; John did that much better. John Switzer was a man to emulate in so many ways, and he will be greatly missed.
Stu Moore
Spring Hill College Registrar
January 7, 2025
