Joseph A. McSwain

Throughout his life, Joe was able to travel extensively and lived in many countries, first through his father’s work and then his own career. He graduated from Wake Forest University with a degree in History before being commissioned into the Navy in 1979. He met his wife, Daphne, on Easter Sunday in 1980, while serving as a Naval Intelligence Officer with an S3 squadron. They married a year later and started traveling the world together. He received his NFO wings in 1983. He was stationed in Guam with the VQ1 squadron flying S3 and ES3 aircraft before receiving his Master’s Degree in 1988 from the Navy Postgraduate School in Monterey, California. The first of his two wonderful daughters, Sarah, was born during that time, followed three years later by Megan, while stationed in Atsugi, Japan. During his Navy career, he earned the call sign “Zipper” and he was proud to explain what it meant. It was a somewhat unusual life, moving every 2 or 3 years and living in different locations, but in each place they lived, Joe made sure his family was cared for, happy and immersed in the local culture.

Joe enjoyed his military life, flying many different aircraft as a Naval Flight Officer. He was a dare devil at heart, loved flying of any kind, even bungee jumping, and had the dream of becoming an Astronaut with the space program. He retired from the Navy in 1995 in Patuxent River, Maryland and eventually moved to Florida to be close to his in-laws.

Joe was a devoted Christian who loved the Lord and made sure his family was always involved in church. In Florida, he ministered at First Baptist Church Merritt Island as a deacon and loved working with teenagers in Jubilation Student Choir. He had a passion for young people and liked to regale them with tales of all the adventures in his Naval Career. He always strived to be a positive influence in their lives, offered his help to any who needed support and pushed them to pursue their dreams, whatever they may be. Just recently he was teaching a young man how to drive, so he could pursue and go for his passions and dreams.

Joe loved his family with his whole heart and was there for them at all times, both the good and the trying. Recently, he became a grandpa/foppy to two precious little boys whom he loved dearly and was looking forward to sharing his love of space and flying with them.

Joe is preceded in death by his father, Roy McSwain. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Daphne, his two daughters and sons-in-law, Sarah Lynes (Dave) and Megan Pearman (Benny), and his two grandsons, Elijah and Connor. He is also survived by his mother, Judith McSwain, sister and brother-in-law, Susan Minor (Randy) and nephew Bryce Minor.

Friends and family will be received on Friday, May 18, 2018 at 9:30 am at First Baptist Church, Merritt Island in the Sanctuary. Funeral service will begin at 10:30, and follow with burial with military honors at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, Florida at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Friends of Children of Brevard County, Inc., an organization that supports the Guardian Ad Litem program in Brevard County. They enable children who have suffered abuse or neglect to live normal lives by providing items and opportunities that are not covered by government program, such as beds, bikes, computers, school supplies, luggage, holiday gifts, camps, extracurricular activities and more.

To donate, please send a check in honor of Joe McSwain to:

Friends of Children of Brevard County, Inc.

c/o Guardian ad Litem Program

2825 Judge Fran Jamieson Way

Viera, Florida 32940

Or donate online:

http://www.friendsofchildrenofbrevard.org/get-involved/donate-in-honor-of