He married his wife, Connie Swain, on October 7, 1962, in Coldwater, Michigan. They were married for 45 years.
James retired from General Motors in Defiance, Ohio, where he retired after 44 years. He was a member of Sons of American Legion Post 148 and Emanuel Lutheran Church in New Haven. He enjoyed morning walks with his neighbors, spending time with his close friends, family, his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his sister, Lucille Swain, of Toledo, OH; daughters, Shelly Swain and Stephanie Reese (Swain), of Fort Wayne; Uncle Isaac Stephens; grandchildren, Brittany Russell, Coleton Miller and Zayde Reese; great-granddaughter, Madison Henry and his loving friend and companion Betty Pennington.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Pearlie and James Swain Sr.; a brother, Charles Swain; sisters, Dorothy Wormley and Vanessa Badgett (Swain); and his devoted wife Connie Swain.
A visitation for James will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Emanuel Lutheran Church, 800 Green Street, New Haven, Indiana 46774, followed by a Funeral Service at 12:00 PM. Burial to follow at Covington Memorial Gardens.
Memorial donations may be directed to American Legion Post 148, 705 East Lewis Street, Fort Wayne, Indiana 46802 or to Emanuel Lutheran Church, 800 Green Street, New Haven, Indiana 46774.