James L. Swadener

James L. Swadener, 82, of Mishawaka, passed away at home Thursday afternoon, January 26, 2012.

Jim was born January 11, 1930 in Mishawaka, a son of the late Dean H. and Alice G. (Moran) Swadener. He grew up in Mishawaka and was a 1947 graduate of Mishawaka High School. He served his country in the US Navy from 1947 - 1952.

On June 18, 1949 Jim married Virginia “Ginny” Rea in St. Joseph Catholic Church, Mishawaka. The couple made Mishawaka their home.

Jim was a typesetter at Dana Cook Company and Mossberg & Company in South Bend. He was a member of St. Monica Catholic Church, a lifetime member of Knights of Columbus #1878 and also belonged to the Mishawaka Alumni Association. He liked woodworking, traveling and history. Jim loved technology and working on his computer. He enjoyed the time spent with his lunch friends at the Battell Center. Most of all, he was especially proud of his large family.

Jim’s surviving family includes his seven children, Kathryn Swadener-Sloan (Douglas) of Indianapolis, Teresa Gates (Terry) of Mishawaka, Kurt Swadener (Vicki) of Indianapolis, Mark Swadener of Tulsa, OK, Mary Coombs (Roger) of Noblesville, Andrew Swadener (life partner Simon Zalkind) of Denver, CO and John Swadener (Staci) of Bartlett, IL; a daughter-in-law, Cathy (Rigg) Swadener; two brothers, Paul Swadener of Eugene, OR and Marc Swadener of Boulder, CO; two sisters, Patricia Fisher of Monticello and Martha Chupp of Lafayette; 22 grandchildren; and 35 great grandchildren.

Jim was preceded in death in 2005 by his wife of 56 years, Ginny; brothers, Robert, John R. and Phillip Swadener; and a sister, Cecile Loutzenhiser.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Monday, January 30, at 10 am in St. Monica Catholic Church, 222 W. Mishawaka Ave., Mishawaka, with Monsignor Bruce Piechocki officiating. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger. Military honors will be provided by VFW 360 / American Legion 161 Burial Squad.

Friends may spend time with Jim’s family Sunday from 2 - 5 pm in Goethals & Wells Funeral Home, 503 W. 3rd Street, Mishawaka and also Monday from 9 - 10 am in church.

The family suggests memorial contributions be directed to Friends of the Mishawaka Library or Hands of Hope Adoption & Orphan Care Ministry. Assistance with memorials is available at the funeral home.