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It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of James (Jim) Milton Swan, who departed this life January 25, 2026. A devoted husband, father, brother, and friend, Jim touched countless lives through his warmth, humor, and kindness.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife, Helen Mellinger Swan, to whom he was devoutly married for nearly 60 years. He leaves behind his cherished two children, son Robert M. Swan of Kansas City and daughter Andrea L. Swan of Strasbourg. France, who were the pride and joy of his life. He also leaves his loving grandchildren, Jenna Swan, William Swan and Jonah Swan. Also surviving Jim are his two younger sisters, Rebecca Howe of Englewood, Florida, and Carolyn Stinson of Lafayette, Indiana, who long ago voted him the best big brother ever. Jim was predeceased by his parents, Robert and Margaret Swan.
Born in the town of Frankfort, Indiana on November 22, 1944, Jime met his wife, Helen Mellinger, at Purdue University on a blind date at a charity fundraiser. Dressed as a can-can dancer, Helen caught Jim’s eye and she knew from the first moment he was a 10 on a 10-point scale. After dating for more than three years, Jim and Helen married August 13, 1966, at St. Boniface Church in Lafayette, Indiana
Jim attended Frankfort public schools and graduated from its high school. He graduated Purdue University with a math degree, and Rockhurst College with a master’s in business administration.
After graduating, Jim worked as a computer programmer for the next 44 years, loving every minute of it. After a long 48 years in programming, Jim retired from his job in Topeka, Kansas and moved with Helen to Sun City Grand in Surprise, Arizona. An avid collector of English Flow china, Jim became the webmaster of the Flow Blue International Collector’s Club and The Grand Bridge Club. All his life, Jim helped his friends with their computer problems.
Jim found joy in simple pleasures. He loved animals and spent several years training dogs and showing his own Shetland sheepdogs. He loved being a family man and doted on his wife, children, and grandchildren. His favorite Christmas film was “It’s a Wonderful Life,” a reflection of his own values and the life he led. He was a passionate Kansas City Chiefs fan and a lover of anything chocolate.
Jim Swan will be remembered for his kindness, humility, silly Dad jokes, and being a truly good person. Though he is no longer with us, the legacy of his love lives on in the countless lives he touched.
He will be deeply missed and forever loved. Everyone who befriended Jim knows the world lost a good man.
His Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026, starting at 10:00 in the morning at Warren-McElwain Mortuary in Lawrence, Kansas.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in Jim’s name.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of James "Jim" Milton Swan, please visit our flower store. https://www.warrenmcelwain.com/obituaries/james-swan
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Marcia Myers (Dunk)
What a wonderful guy Jim was. We grew up together as our parents were close friends. Jim was always kind even when we were five years old. I remember his standing up for his friends. He will be missed.
Mike Keller
Back in November I wished Jim a happy birthday and hinted on stopping by his place on my way to Prescott from Tucson. Plan was to rehash the good old times in Frankfort. RIP Jim
Becky Rhodes (Turner)
I knew "James" Swan at Lincoln School. He seemed shy. Always smiled. Cute as a button. I never knew him well, but there was something about him that seemed special. I see he made a wonderful and interesting life for himself. I think my instincts were correct. He was a special person.
Becky Rhodes
Linda Howe (Anders)
Jim was always friendly and cure as a button. His sister married my cousin, so I believe he is part of my family. I send my love to Becky and the entire family.
Jon F. Steiner
Jim was one of my high school buddies. He was intelligent, witty, and mischievous. His math ability was very astute. Not many people know this, but when he studied geometry in high school he develop a new geometric theorem that was totally unknown at the time. Later as a math major at Purdue, he was enrolled in some of the first computer classes before there was ever a computer science course.
Jim could easily had been a stand-up comedian. Jim's humor can be best compared to the comic “Far Side”. For instance, Jim had Parkinson. As you are aware there is uncontrollable shaking that often takes place. He told me that he had a new job as a bartender. He said that he was in charge of shaking up the mixed drinks. His zingers were like this constantly.
He did enjoy a good prank. One evening he and I were driving in my 1953 Pontiac Chieftain around town making the rounds. You know: the courthouse, Art' Drive Inn, and Georgie Porgie. We pulled in behind the high school. There were several teachers cars there. We found a possum in the parking lot. We got the possum and put in the back seat of one of the cars. Unknowing to us, that car belonged to Dan Kerkpatrick's mom. Never did know what she did with that possum. Sorry Dan.
Jim is no longer with us, but the good memories of him will never be forgotten.