James (Jim) Albert Swan passed away on Oct. 20, 2023, at 82 years old. Born on April 6, 1941, in Stockton, Calif., 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 eight great grandchildren. 

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 memorial service will be held on Dec. 1, 2023, in Mount Pleasant, Utah, where Jim’s remarkable life will be celebrated. 

Great Bend (Kan.) Tribune, Oct. 28, 2023