James R. “Jim” Sward, 81, of Galesburg, died at 11:25 p.m. Wednesday, August 14, 2024, in OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
He was born July 8, 1943, in Monmouth, the son of Dale R. and Bessie I. (Nelson) Sward. He married Patricia Sands and had two daughters. He later married Carolyn Lauritsen on December 9, 1983, in Independence, Iowa.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 41 years, Carolyn; two daughters, Becky (Tom) Havel of Carol Stream and Kathy (Chuck) Naffier of St. Charles; a stepdaughter, Amanda (Brian) Wilkinson of Winfield; his constant companion, Buddy, an Australian Shepherd; and a brother-in-law, Tom Cinnamon of Normal. Jim was also a much-loved grandfather and great grandfather to many grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Dale Sward; mother, Bessie Sward Wright; stepfather, Donald Wright; and sister, Martha Cinnamon.
Jim graduated from Galesburg High School in 1961 and attended Carl Sandburg College. Jim had worked as a conductor and brakeman for the Burlington Northern Railroad for 12 years. As a recovering alcoholic, he later received certification from the Independence Mental Health Institute in 1984 to be a drug and alcohol counselor. He went on to start a 40-year career, where he touched numerous lives in his counseling and DUI evaluations and training.
Jim was a spiritual man and had many interests over the years. He enjoyed playing pool and golf, leather crafting, and being a drummer for several jazz groups. Some would say he was a tinkerer and could MacGyver anything. His greatest joys were his family, his dogs, and the help he was able to provide to people in his career. His care and concern for others continued after his death as he is a tissue donor through Gift of Hope.
Cremation will be accorded. A celebration of life will begin at 11 a.m. Saturday, August 31, 2024, in the Community Room of Galesburg Towers, 1384 N. Henderson St. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Knox County Humane Society. Hinchliff-Pearson-West Funeral and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family. Online condolences and memories may be shared on the funeral home’s website at www.h-p-w.com.
