Jerry Wayne Swayzee

Jerry was born in New Castle, Indiana on April 28 1938, the first son to Ernest Wayne Swayzee and Verna Swayzee (nee Clark). He attended Walter P. Chrysler High School, where he excelled in football, track and field and choir. In 1956, Jerry was the first pole vaulter to clear 11 feet in a decade.

He attended Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts. While there, he was active in fraternity life. He also sang in the Glee Club, which likely sparked his initial interest in his early career: writing jingles for advertisements in Chicago, Illinois during the “Mad Men” heyday of the profession.

He was indeed a prolific scribe of catchy tunes, with credits including "Here Come the Hawks!", the official fight song and introduction of the Chicago Blackhawks. (written by Jerry and produced by the Dick Marx Orchestra and Choir in 1968). He also collaborated with Dick Marx and his orchestra on some of the most recognizable jingles of that day, including the Virginia Slims jingle “You’ve Come A Long Way, Baby” (which won a CLIO award in 1969), the Kellogg’s Raisin Bran “Two Scoops” jingle and the Wrigley’s Doublemint “Double Your Pleasure, Double Your Fun” jingle, among many, many others.

Jerry moved to Winter Park, CO in the 1980s and developed a second career in real estate development before settling into active retirement, including running, swimming and spending time with his many friends throughout Colorado.

Jerry was married three times in his life, with his greatest love being his last wife, Nancy Swayzee. Though they separated many years ago, he carried a torch for her all of his years. Nancy passed away in June 2024. Jerry also fathered a son, Scott Swayzee, with his first wife Veronica Van Zandt. Sadly, Scott died of a sudden brain aneurysm in 2011. He is survived by his granddaughter, Kimber Swayzee (Hot Sulphur Springs, CO), nephews, nieces and his community at Winding Trails nursing home in Boulder, CO.