James (Jim) Albert Swan passed away on October 20, 2023, at 82 years old. Born on April 6, 1941, in Stockton California, Jim was the second of eight children born to Walter and Deloris (Robinson) Swan.
Jim grew up on a ten-acre farm east of Stockton where he learned to work hard. He also loved to learn. He attended Glenwood Elementary School and Linden High School. He later attended Brigham Young University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and a master’s degree in library science.
Jim married Diana Jeanne Derr on May 7, 1965, in the Salt Lake Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. They were the parents of four children: Debra (Ron) Crockett of Mount Pleasant, Utah; David (Cathy) of Katy, Texas; Jared (Nolita) of Round Rock, Texas; and Benjamin (Carolyn) of Petersburg, New Jersey. Jim was the proud grandfather of 13 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren and 2 on the way.
Jim spent the bulk of his professional career as a library administrator. He was the director of the Pickens County Library in South Carolina from 1971-1977. He was the director of Great Bend Public Library and the Administrator of the Central Kansas Library System from 1977 to 2009, when he retired. He spent his retirement caring for his wife, Diana, until her passing in 2020.
Jim was a published author of six books for librarians, and Grandpa Stories, which contained autobiographical sketches written for his posterity. Jim was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was the Bishop of the Great Bend (Kansas) Ward from 1996 to 2001. He also served in many other church responsibilities.
Jim was predeceased by his wife, Diana; one sister, Charlotte; two brothers, Allen and John; and by one grandson, Paul Swan. His living brother and sisters include his twin, Jerry; Carol Ann Price; Merri Lou Martin; and Linda Olsen.
A graveside service will be held Friday, October 27, 2023 at 1:00 pm located at the Payson City Cemetery, 805 East 400 North, Payson, Utah. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 pm on December 1, 2023, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 295 S State St, Mt Pleasant, Utah, where Jim’s remarkable life will be celebrated.
3 Condolences for James Albert Swan
Condolences(3)
Gail Santy says
October 26, 2023 at 1:00 pmAs the current Director of the Central Kansas Library System, I have the pleasure of saying that Jim Swan hired me. I sent a notice of his passing out to Kansas librarians. What follows is my notice and comments from some librarians.
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It is with great sadness that I report that James Swan passed away last Friday. Jim served as the director of the Central Kansas Library System from 1977
to February 2009. Jim had previously served as the director of the Pickens County Library System in South Carolina. While at CKLS, Jim authored several books about fundraising and working with library trustees.
In his personal life, Jim was a loving and dedicated husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He was active in his church, loved to research family history, and bake bread, all of which continued after his retirement.
At CKLS, Jim will be remembered for his dedication to trustee training and for the many system services he initiated.
Notes may be sent to the family at 6890 East 17250 North, Mount Pleasant UT 84647.
I spoke with Jim three months ago. He had had a series of mini strokes and was looking forward to being with his beloved wife, Diana, who passed away from Covid symptoms in fall of 2020.
~Gail
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Thank you, Gail for the notice. I had thought about Jim in recent weeks and was wondering about him.
While I have many memories of him, the one I think of is his wrestling an eight foot folding table into the elevator. He was strong.
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What a great memory! I will always remember he loved to tell a good story.
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Thanks for the notification. I remember James as a kind, helpful, and dedicated man, willing to step up when asked. He encouraged his staff to participate at KLA, and brought integrity to any project he handled. He will be missed.
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Jim was good at looking to set people up for success.
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Only a few of us “old timers” will remember, but the family needs to serve Jim’s famous cinnamon bread at the funeral dinner. It was awesome — he occasionally made it for CKLS meetings.
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And it made the best French toast!
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He was very supportive and nurtured my philosophy of getting patrons what they want.
Merri Lou Martin says
October 26, 2023 at 3:54 pmDebbie, David, Jared, Ben and families may you be comforted and find peace as you individually grieve the loss of Jim. May you feel his love and the love of Diana surround you during this difficult time. May you also feel the loving arms of our Savior Jesus Christ wrapped around you to comfort and sustain you.
Jim was my big brother and one of my three twin brothers. He was soft spoken and kind to all in the realm of his influence. He was generous with his talents and time giving to those in need. I admired him for his tenacity and perseverance in perusing an education even when life’s challenges temporally block his journey. I will always be grateful to Jim and his twin brother Jerry for returning home from collage for a year to help support our family when our father was ill. Because of their sacrifice our family had food to eat, clothes to wear and shoes to put on our feet every morning.
Jim, thank you for your great example of a Christlike life. Farewell until we meet again. Your little twin sister, Merri Lou
Carol Ann says
October 26, 2023 at 6:15 pmWhat a wonderful blessing to be your sister. I will miss you until we meet again. You lived well and blessed the lives of everyone near you. Love you, Jim.