Charles H. Swim

CHARLES H. SWIM April 14, 1927 - Feb. 8, 2014 Maj. Charles H. Swim, (U.S. Army Ret.), left this earthly Paradise on Saturday, February 8, 2014. He was born on April 14, 1927 in Detroit, Michigan despite telling many people that he was born in Kentucky. Charlie was an underage veteran, featured in America's Youngest Warriors, Vol. III, as he enlisted in the Army at age 15. He was caught right before his 17th birthday. He then served 6 years in the Navy, finishing WW II in the Pacific Campaign. Charlie left the Navy to rejoin the Army where he completed OCS and would retire at the rank of Major, not before graduating High School in the Navy and college in the Army. He then served as a California State Parole Agent for 27 years. During this time, he successfully sued the State of California for Parole Agents to have the right to carry firearms in addition to changing the wording of the California Penal Code to include the wording that "protection of the public" is part of the definition of parole in California. Countless agents contacted him to thank him for doing this, and in their words, "saving their lives." Charlie was President of the Parole Agents Association of California (PAAC) - twice and was instrumental in the formation of the California Correctional Peace Officers Association (CCPOA). After retirement, Charlie was often called by active law enforcement to advise and assist. He was asked to lecture at ButteCollege to pass on his vast knowledge and experience. He had done so much research in his field that Charlie was appointed to be the first official "Historian" for the Butte County Sheriff's Office; a badge he wore with pride. He was a 60+ year member of the Elks Club (BPOE), a Life Master of the American Contract Bridge Association, a lifetime member of VFW and NRA, Past President of Lions Club, member of Retired Officers Association, member of Veterans of Underage Military Service Inc, and co-owner (Janitor/Sherry's Husband) of Pip Printing. He was preceded in death by his parents and step father, his brother, Ron (Monique), and his first wife, Helen Verona "Nancy," and great grandson, Jason Edward Tayloe. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Sherry, and his children Sherry Worden (Mike), Cathy Swim, Linda Casterline, Charles Jr. (Donna), Lisbeth Ireland (Tom), Martha Glenn (Dennis), John-Steven Swim and 11 grandchildren, 14 and a half great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, 1 Niece and 3 Nephews. Services will be held Friday, February 14, 2014 at St. ThomasMoreChurch at 11am. Visitation will be held at Chapel of the Pines on Thursday, February 13 from 4 - 8pm and Friday February 14 from 8 - 10am. Burial and Military Honors will be held at ParadiseCemetery at 12:30 pm, following services. Hosted Wake to follow burial at St. Thomas More Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Wounded Warriors, c/o Chapel of the Pines in memory of Charles H. Swim.