James Richard Swayne

Born May 22, 1934 in Ludington, Michigan to Charles I. and Ella (Mueller) Swayne, he married Nancy L. Birchard on November 19, 1955 in Harrisonburg, Virginia. She died February 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, Virginia; 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