James L Swisher

PEKIN ~ James Laverne Swisher, 84, passed away at 4:14 p.m., Saturday, September 17, 2011, surrounded by the presence and love of his 3 children, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy.  He was formerly of 1416 S. 13th St. in Pekin.

Born December 27, 1926 in Meredosia to Walt and Velma (Wheeler) Swisher, he grew up in the small town of Versailles. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his brothers, Bill Swisher and Leo Swisher; sisters, Ailene Swisher Brown and Della Swisher Jeffries; and the beloved mother of his children, Virginia Rhea Peak.

Those who survive to cherish the memory of his life, well lived, are 1 son, Edward Paul (Peggy) Swisher; 2 daughters, Pamela Rhea Swisher, and Vivian Faye (Kenny) Flynn; 9 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 2 brothers, Larry Swisher and Don Swisher; and 1 sister, Margie Swisher Hunter.

A U.S. Army veteran of World War II, he was awarded the Army Occupation Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

He was employed at Keystone Steel and Wire, retiring in 1981 at the age of 55.

His love of the outdoors was known by all and he shared this with his children.  They recall a childhood filled with hunting, fishing, mushrooming, walnut picking, and gardening every summer. (They wish not to mention the frog-gigging.)

Jim was the go-to guy for answers to any of these endeavors and loved to offer help to all comers.

Another love and unique skill was his ability to shoot pool.  Jim could "run the table" with the best of them and in the 60s he was known to be called if a hustler was in one of the pool halls.  Many stories abounded of him walking into the pool hall wearing his customary bib overalls and "running the table."

In honor of their father, his children plan on stalking the woods to find all of those deer, fish, squirrels, rabbits, geese, ducks and pheasants who have no doubt gathered for their victory dance.  His son carries the skills of the father and his daughters are going let him do all the shooting.

His funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 22, 2011 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.  Paul Thomas will officiate.  Visitation will be 1 hour prior to the funeral.  Burial will be in War Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Pekin.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Illinois Veterans Home, 1707 N 12th St., Quincy, IL 62301.

To express condolences, visit www.preston-hanley.com