James Swager

Published 12:49 pm Tuesday, September 22, 2020

On the evening of September 19, 2020, James Swager of Brookhaven died at the age of 94.

Jim was born in Schwartz, Louisiana, but moved to Mississippi at the age of 9 years old. He lived in Brookhaven for 55 years and always considered it home.

Jim served in WWII joining the army at age 18 and was in combat in Central Europe. Jim was proud to have served his country and his stories are part of the legacy he leaves his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. After serving his country, he went to school and learned Morse code and worked as a telegraph operator for the Illinois Central Railroad. He worked for the Illinois Central Railroad for 39 years, later serving as a depot agent.

Jim loved bike riding and on his birthday each year he would ride on the Natchez Trace Parkway, the miles of his age not ending this tradition until he was up in his 80s. He was a member of the VFW, Oddfellows, Eastern Star, Brotherhood at various times throughout his life, as well as a member of the Masonic Order. Jim won the Book of Golden Deeds award for his work in the community in 2006. The club he enjoyed the most later in life was the Greater Generation Coffee Club sharing stories, coffee and laughs with other veterans. Jim was a member of the First Baptist Church for 55 years.

James is survived by his wife, Earline Williams Swager; his two children, David McDaniel and Cara Staley; three grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery in Columbia, MS at 2:00 p.m. Friday, September 25.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice Ministries at 397 Brookhaven St. Brookhaven, MS 39601.

Condolences and other information are available online at www.riverwoodfamily.com.