Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
James Swayne Obituary
Born May 22, 1934 in Ludington to Charles I. and Ella (Mueller) Swayne, he married Nancy L. Birchard on Nov. 19, 1955 in Harrisonburg, Va. She died Feb. 16, 2019 in Pekin. He was also preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Christopher Gaspar; two daughters-in-law, Rose Swayne and Earla Swayne and one sister, Joan Enos.
Surviving are three sons, Steven A. Swayne of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, David C. Swayne of Pekin and Paul R. Swayne of Brigham City, Utah; one step-daughter, Glenda O'Pry of Virginia Beach, Va.; seven grandchildren, Amy Swayne, Jill Swayne, Matthew Swayne, Nathan Swayne, Stephanie (Jeff) Carrier, Kathryn O'Pry and Elizabeth O'Pry and one great-granddaughter, McKinleigh Carrier; one great-grandson, Adam (Kaylee) Carrier and two great-great-granddaughters, Clara Jo Carrier and Rowyn Carrier.
He was a United States Air Force veteran.
Jim was a 1961 graduate of Western Michigan University, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Accounting. He later earned his master's degree from Illinois State University. He was a professor of Computer Science at Illinois Central College in East Peoria for 26 years, retiring in 1994. He was a member and past president of the ICC Retirees Association and a past president of the Faculty Senate at ICC.
Jim was an avid Bridge player and enjoyed travel. He loved spending the winter months on Anna Maria Island in Florida for many years. He also was a Chicago Cubs fan and enjoyed golf. He was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Pekin and also was a past member of the Vestry of the church.
His Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10 a.m. Tuesday, June 10, 2025 at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Pekin. Father Jonathan Butcher will be the celebrant. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin. Burial will be in Prairie Haven Cemetery in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 343 Buena Vista, Pekin, IL 61554 or to Tazewell Animal Protective Society, 100 Taps Lane, Pekin, IL 61554.
To express condolences online, visit www.preston-hanley.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for James Swayne
Sponsored by Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory - Pekin Funeral Homes, L.L.C..
0 Entries
Be the first to post a memory or condolences.
Make a Donation
in James Swayne's name
Memorial Events
for James Swayne
Jun
9
Funeral services provided by:
Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory - Pekin500 North Fourth Street, Pekin, IL 61554
How to support James's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor James Swayne's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
