Jim Schwaninger

(August 30, 1942 – June 11, 2022) 

Jim passed away peacefully at his home on June 11, 2022, at the age of 79. He was the loving husband of Marilyn F. Grojean Schwaninger, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage. His last few weeks of his life were highlighted by limited visits from family and friends as he gave way to cancer.

Jim is survived by his wife; his sons Jim Jr. (Cynthia) Schwaninger of Exton, PA; Jeff (Elizabeth) Schwaninger of Herndon, VA; and Joe Schwaninger of Kill Devil Hills, NC; his sisters Colleen (Herbert) Ritchie of Punta Gorda, FL; Barbara Haley of Bessemer, AL; and Laura (Elaine) Schwaninger of St. Louis, MO; his brother Robert Jr. (Jennifer) Schwaninger of Alton, IL; and his three grandchildren Tommy, Trey, and Kate.

He was preceded in death by his parents Robert and Marjorie Faber Schwaninger, his sister Linda Leubkert, and three brothers-in-law: Michael Leubkert, Joshua Haley, and Rick Bach.

Jim lived a full and accomplished life. The oldest of six siblings, he joined the United States Marines Corps on his seventeenth birthday, and returned four years later to attend college, wed Marilyn, and begin a family. His successful career in public relations and government relations earned him countless awards, rewarding experiences, and advancement to executive leadership positions with J.C. Penney and the United Way of America. His career moved the family around for employment opportunities in Chicago, New York, and Washington D.C. before he ultimately returned to Missouri with Marilyn in retirement.

He was a member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sikeston, MO where he served in numerous volunteer and civic roles supporting the community. His service to the neighborhood friends of Mount Vernon Estate, the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce, the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center, the Scott County Economic Development Department, and the Montgomery Bank Board of Directors, were among his most rewarding contributions.

A funeral mass was held on Monday, June 20, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 245 W. Front St., Sikeston, MO. 63801. Father Colby Elbert officiating.

Donations made in Jim's memory to the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center, the Sikeston Depot Museum, or to the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church would please and honor him.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Schwaninger family may be shared at www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com. To see a 12-minute tribute movie made by Jim’s family, follow the following link and scroll down:

https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/sikeston-mo/james-schwaninger-10786268