James Richard Swearingen

James Richard Swearingen "Granddad" was born on April 6, 1935 to James Brenner and Vanice (Shoup) Swearingen. He was called home to his loving Savior on December 9, 2020 at 85 years old. Dad spent his early years on the family farm and butcher shop near New Carlisle, Ohio with his two brothers Dale and Jerald. At six years old, dad suffered a fever, which was later diagnosed as Polio. Because he was somewhat limited in his physical activity, Dad often helped his mother in the kitchen, and would use this experience later in life through Christian hospitality, during their married life and even after Mom’s death in January of 2013.

Dad was baptized in the Old German Baptist Brethren church in 1950, and in 1958 was united in marriage with Delma Landes, daughter of Daniel and Rachel Landes. Starting with Sears and Roebuck at the age of 18, Dad worked in various positions within the company and retired early from his role as a Sales Trainer in the mid 1980s. Work with Sears took them to Cleveland Ohio in 1964, but they passed up a further promotion to return to the Miami Valley in 1973 and raise their boys closer to the church family. Dad always felt like a man should have purpose, so even after retiring from Sears he worked the next twenty years or so for the Bowman Landes Turkey Farm. He also enjoyed later years volunteering with Partners in Hope of Troy, Ohio. The family cabin in Northern Michigan was a favorite vacation spot.

Dad will be remembered for his quick wit, melodious tenor voice, and willing advice. After Mom’s passing, Dad had a special bond with many single young men and women – sharing meals, time, and Grandfatherly advice. He also was the regular score keeper at summer softball evenings, returning to enjoy the young people even a couple of seasons after his grandchildren had graduated into Young Folks.

Dad is survived by his son Dave and Michelle (Sink), and grandchildren James Brendan (and fiancée Rylee Emig), Bailey, and Dane. Dad is also survived by a brother and sister-in-law Jerald and Bonnie Swearingen, and in-laws Joan (Dale) Swearingen, Dennis Landes, Pauline (Alva) Landes, and Betsy (Robert) Boone. Dad was preceded in death by his wife Delma, son James Matthew, parents Brenner and Vanice, and parents in-law Daniel and Rachel Landes. Also a brother Dale Swearingen and brother and sisters-in-law Ruth (Dennis) Landes, Alva Landes, Marvin and Lela Shoup, and Robert and Bernice Boone.