James R. "Jim" Sward

James R. “Jim” Sward, 81 of Sioux City passed away Sunday, October 27, 2024. Funeral services will be 11:00 A.M. Friday, November 1, 2024 at Meyer Brothers Colonial Chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. Burial will be at Memorial Park Cemetery. 

Jim was born the son of Harry and Louise (Hale) Sward on July 9, 1943 in Sioux City, Iowa. He graduated from Central High School in 1961. Jim married Sandie Hinbaugh on April 20, 1963. They made their home in Sioux City. 

Jim worked several jobs over the years. He worked for Kent Feeds for several years before becoming a foreman for Schaeff Manufacturing for many years. He also worked for the Sioux City Journal and then became the maintenance man for the Clifton Apartments until he retired.

Jim had a love for trains since he was a child. He enjoyed model trains and taking pictures of train engines and graffiti. He also built his own model trains both HO and N scale trains. He enjoyed creating entire towns for them.

He was also a skilled woodworker, making things for his children and grandchildren.

He enjoyed winemaking and enjoyed sharing it with friends and family.

Jim also enjoyed feeding and watching the many critters in the backyard that he fed daily.

Jim is survived by his wife, Sandie of Sioux City; sons, Scott (Maxine) Sward of Sioux City and Brian (Sandy) Sward of Lawton; grandchildren, Brittany (Mike) Trotter, Chris (Shawna) Sward, Jeff (Brittny) Sward, April (Jim) Lee, Jason (Lyndsy) Boisen, and Jessica Boisen; great grandchildren, Isabelle, Thomas, Jackson, Raegan, Hailey, Carson, Kaylea, Kai, and Kameryn; and great great grandchild, Maddie. 

He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings, Richard and Janie.