On April 28, 2023, James Swingle passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by his family.
Jim was born November 1, 1945 to Agnes (Sweeney) and Blakely Swingle in Port Jervis, NJ. He enjoyed playing sports at Port Jervis High School. He lived near the Delaware River where he fell in love with fishing at a young age.
Jim attended Western Michigan University where he studied Mechanical Engineering. Upon graduation he started his 38 year career with Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, MI. He enjoyed the challenge of automobile technology and was able to identify the source of any noise in a car.
In 1967, he married Carol (Vollmer) Swingle and lived in Dearborn, Ypsilanti, and Milan. They had two sons, Scott and Blake. He instilled in his boys a passion to prepare meals that would require more than just a “Michigan serving.”
In 1995, he married Martha (Atwell) Swingle and moved to Ann Arbor. Through their 28 years of marriage, they enjoyed traveling to warm destinations, wine tours throughout the US, casino trips, and making memories with family at their condo in Manistee.
His passion for family, food, and fishing is a legacy that will live on by anyone who knew him.
Jim is survived by his wife, Martha; his sons, Scott (Jill) Swingle and Blake (Lisa) Swingle; step-daughter, Shelley (Michael) Lloyd and his dear grandchildren, Jack, Finn, Rhys, Ramy, Hudson, Estelle, Ryan, Winter, Maren, and Grace.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Thomas Swingle.
The family wants to thank his nurses, aides, and support team from ProMedica Hospice. Their compassion and professionalism provided comfort during a difficult time.
Family and friends are respectfully invited to join the family at Nie Family Funeral Home, 3767 W. Liberty Road, Ann Arbor, on Sunday, June 4, 2023 for a Memorial Gathering at 2:00 pm and a Celebration of Life Service at 3:00 pm. Please bring your fondest memories of Jim to share.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution in Jim’s honor to
Cancer Research Institute (CRI).