James (Jim) Luther Mcswain

James (Jim) Luther McSwain, 94, passed away peacefully in his home in Stephenville, TX on August 24th, 2024. Jim was preceded in death by his wife of 66 years, Jan McSwain, son Marc McSwain, parents Dorus and Essie Mae, brother and sister-in-law Davey and Joan McSwain of Thomasville, North Carolina.

Jim is survived by his son Matthew and wife Lily Mendez of Andover, Massachusetts, granddaughters, Emily and Allison McSwain of Boston, Massachusetts and Sarah McSwain of Katy, Texas.

Jim McSwain was born in Thomasville, North Carolina on December 13th, 1929..  Jim graduated from Thomasville High School in 1947 and enlisted in the Army Air Corps in September 1947.  He served in the Air Force for 7 years stationed at Lowry Air Base and Killeen Army Base as a Combat Arms Instructor and weapons mechanic.  Following his service to our country Jim enrolled at the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology in 1958 and a Master’s in Geology in 1964.

Jim was an avid tennis player throughout his life and while serving at Lowry Air Base in Denver he met his wife and love of his life, Janice (Jan) Dale Sutton, on the tennis courts.   Jim and Jan moved to Rock Springs, Wyoming for his first job working as a petroleum geologist in the oil fields of western Wyoming.  After moving back to Albuquerque for his Master’s Degree they adopted Marc Brian in 1964.

Following graduation and seeking a family friendly professional career Jim was hired as a Geology Professor at Tarleton State University where he taught geology and physical sciences for 30 years.  During his teaching career, Jim wrote the first audio version for the geology undergraduate degree and was primarily responsible for paving the way for the first Master’s Degree program in Geology for Tarleton State University.   Continuing his commitment to service Jim served on the Stephenville City Council for 8 years.  In 1968 Jim and Janice adopted their second son Matthew Scott.

His graveside service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, August 27th, at West End Cemetery, Stephenville, TX

The Family request no flowers.