James Roger Swilling

James Roger Swilling, 73 of Hallsville, passed away Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the University Hospital in Columbia.
Family and friends are invited to Rogers Life Celebration service 10:00 AM, Saturday, January 25, 2025 at the Rocky Fork Fellowship Church in Hallsville. The family will receive family and friends from 9:30 am until the time of the service on Saturday at the church.
J. Roger was born on December 3, 1951 in Wichita, Kansas, the son of James Thurman and Helen Eva (Plumber) Swilling. Roger lived a life full of love, purpose, and dedication, touching the lives of all who knew him with his warmth, kindness, and steadfast commitment to his family and faith.
Roger was a 1969 graduate of Valley Center High School, then graduated from Wichita State. He then attended St. Joe School of Nursing in Wichita, and the Wichita Physicians School of Nurse Anesthesia where he received his CRNA degree (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist).
Roger's deep connection to God was evident in everything he did. His faith guided him through every season of life, and he found immense joy in living out the love of Christ. He was a constant source of encouragement and strength to his family, always putting others first and sharing his wisdom and love.
Roger's greatest pride was his family. He cherished every moment spent with his daughters, especially when they played soccer, a time that brought him so much joy and countless fond memories. His love for his grandchildren knew no bounds, and he took great delight in watching them grow and thrive in their individual pursuits. His devotion to them was a testament to the selfless love that defined his character.
A man of many talents, Roger had a deep passion for cars and could identify the make, model, and year of nearly any vehicle with a single glance. He enjoyed the outdoors, especially when accompanied by his beloved dogs, earning the affectionate nickname "The Dog Whisperer." He had a special way with animals, bringing peace and calm to any dog in his care.
Roger was a true handyman and problem-solver, capable of fixing just about anything that came his way. His love for building things led him to spend many hours working with tools, whether it was crafting something for his home or helping others with their projects. In his later years, Roger found fulfillment in building and running multiple businesses alongside his son, a partnership that brought him both pride and joy as they created something together.
Above all, Roger was a man who lived with integrity, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the power of family and faith. He will be dearly missed by his wife, children, grandchildren, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of love, service, and devotion to God will live on in the hearts of those he leaves behind.
On August 29, 1981, Roger married Robin Anderson. Roger was a beloved husband to Robin, with whom he shared a lifetime of love and companionship. Together, they built a strong, faith-filled home where Roger's love for his family was ever-present. Robin survives the home.
Along with his wife, Robin, Roger is survived by his son, Ryan Swilling of Columbia, daughters, Alissa Hagan (Ian) of Williamsburg, Sarah Julton (Oyvind) of Kongsberg, Norway; grandchildren, James Timothy Swilling, Mila Swilling, Lewis Swilling all of Columbia, Evalyn Hagan, Jenevieve Hagan, Scarlet Hagan, Sarah Jo Hagan of Williamsburg; Keeley Grace Julton, Julie Julton, Norah Julton, and Eva Julton of Kongsberg, Norway; sister, Nancy Koch (Steve) of Manhattan, KS; mother-in-law, Eileen Anderson of Grain Valley.
Roger was preceded in death by his parents.
In Lieu of Flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Columbia Second Chance and sent in care of Fenton-Kendrick Funeral Home, 104 S. Collier St. Centralia, MO 65240.
The family would love to collect stories and memories of their beloved Husband and Father to create a memory book. Please leave a story or a note about Roger in the online guestbook at www.fentonkendrickfh.com