James Thomas Swinney

The youngest son of Methodist missionaries, Irene and Richard Swinney, Jim was born in Wonsan Korea on August 17, 1932, where he lived his first eight years, along with older siblings Clella Mae and Bob. His family returned to the US in 1940. During World War 2, his father volunteered to be a minister for the Army and was stationed in Southern California were the family relocated.

After the War they moved to Meridian, CA in the central valley where Jim went to high school. After a couple of years of study at Central College in Missouri, Jim joined the US Air Force. During officer training at Ellington Air Force base near Houston, he met Karen Rasmussen on a double date. They were married 10 months later. Jim was an accomplished navigator working first as an instructor and then on B-47s and B-52s, reaching the rank of Major. Jim had an exciting time in the Air Force with many adventures which were unfortunately cut short when he developed a neurological disease, preventing him from flying. He retired with a medical disability at Fairchild Air Force base at the age of thirty-five and began his civilian life in the Spokane Valley.

Jim married the love of his life Karen in 1954, and the young couple quickly had their hands full with three boys, David, Rick, and Jim. After retiring from the Air Force, Jim went back to school on the GI bill at Eastern Washington University where he earned a degree in biology. He had planned to teach but soon found that the salary of a teacher would not support his family, so Jim got a job with the US Post-Office delivering mail. This act of selflessness is a consistent theme with Jim throughout his life. He would always put family first. This was particularly evident in later years when he devoted himself to taking care of Karen when she suffered from Alzheimer’s disease and his son Rick who also had health issues.

Jim loved to travel with Karen, primarily in their trailer and later motorhome around the Northwest and also to California to visit family. Jim also loved his pets, including their Saint Bernard, Puff, gardening, and playing cards. He was a big sports fan enjoying basketball, football and baseball. Jim together with Karen were also into running and skiing. One of the more exciting family adventures was a family trip with the trailer to go skiing in Banff, Canada. Jim drove the trailer over the continental divide in a blizzard. He recently stated that was the best skiing of his life.

Jim was an active member of the LDS church. His faith was a consistent and guiding force in his life.

Jim is survived by his two sons, Jim, and Dave (Kathleen), four grandchildren (Autumn, Ashley, Alex, Zach), and five great-grandchildren. Jim was preceded in death by his wife Karen, son Rick and his brother and sister.

Jim will be laid to rest at the Saltese Cemetery.