Rev. Dr. John B. Switzer

The Rev. Dr. John Benton Switzer passed away peacefully at home, on December 27, 2024. Born on July 17, 1960, he was a lifelong resident of Ocean Springs and a twelve-year student of Ocean Springs School District. He was a long-time member of Troop 210 of the Boy Scouts of America, where he learned about the importance of patriotism, service, and honesty under the tutelage of amazing role models. As a small child he read the story of Enoch (Genesis 5) who “walked with God,” and he decided to do likewise.

At the age of 18 John began attending St. Joseph Seminary College in St. Benedict, Louisiana, preparing for his life as a priest in the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi. He earned a BA in history and philosophy. He took a break to work for the Peoples Bank of Biloxi and then returned to seminary studies, this time in Rome, Italy. There he earned a degree in theology from the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas, with honors.

John left seminary for the last time in 1986 and returned to South Mississippi where he met and married his talented and spirited wife, Patsy, to whom he was married for over 35 years. They did, however, return to Rome to have their wedding vows blessed in St. Peter’s Basilica. Together, the two of them owned and operated Lagniappe Restaurant for many years. He earned an MA in religious studies from Loyola University in New Orleans and taught religious studies at Our Lady Academy in Bay St. Louis. He completed an interdisciplinary PhD in theology and education from Boston College and then taught for nearly 20 years at Spring Hill College, Mobile, Alabama. Popular with his students, his teaching was recognized twice with institutional awards. During this time he served as director of Graduate Programs in Theology and Pastoral Ministry; he was known for his interreligious work, which was also recognized with awards. In 2022 the college recognized him as professor emeritus.

Upon the invitation of Episcopalian friends who knew of his theological background, John was received into the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion. He was ordained a deacon in 2017 and a priest in 2018. A lifelong dream and vocation were at last fulfilled. He served as vicar of St. Pierre’s Episcopal Church in Gautier, which was then a mission of the Episcopal Diocese of Mississippi. Working with lay leaders of the parish, he assisted in gaining for the congregation its recognition as a full-fledged parish and he became its first rector. He was an oblate member of the Community of St. Joseph, an Episcopalian community of Benedictines that includes monks and oblates. He served the Episcopal diocese as editor of the newspaper, chair of the board of examining chaplains, and as ecumenical and interreligious officer.

John is survived by his wife Patsy Diane Webb Leaghty, his brother James Austin Switzer, and his niece Austyn (Joseph). Other relatives live out of state. He was predeceased by his beloved parents, John A. and Avis V. Switzer, and many other adorable relatives whom he missed often, as well as a plenitude of dogs and cats. Regarding his beloved parents, he never ceased to be amazed and grateful for the sacrifices and love they gave to him and his brother. He was a member of the First Families of Mississippi, the Sons of Confederate Veterans, and was a life member of the NRA.

Before leaving this world, John was planning to celebrate in the presence of the Lamb with that great cloud of witnesses that went before him. There he will pray for the peace of the world, mutual dialogue and respect among all religions and races, and for honesty in politics.

The Memorial Eucharist honoring his life will be held on Saturday, January 18, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Pierre's Episcopal Church, located at 4412 Gautier-Vancleave Road. in Gautier.  A visitation for friends and family will proceed the service beginning at 10:15 a.m.  Following Eucharist, all are invited to a reception in St. Pierre's Reception Hall.

The Riemann Family Funeral Home, 13872 Lemoyne Blvd. in West Jackson County, is proudly serving the Switzer family.  We invite you to share memories, condolences, and photos with his family at www.riemannfamily.com