James Swearingen, 73, Bristol died April 9, 2026, at Sanford Aberdeen Medical Center.
His wishes were to be cremated. Graveside committal service will be at Kelly Cemetery, Maupin, OR at a later date.
James “Jim” Swearingen was born to Donald and Peggy (Quinn) Swearingen in 1953 in Portland, OR. He grew up in Maupin and worked at Mountain Fir Lumber Company until its closure. He was married to Michelle (Philips) Swearingen for 43 years. After the lumber mill closed, they moved to Tillamook, OR where he worked at a lumber mill until moving to Watertown. They lived in various towns around Watertown and finally in Bristol. In South Dakota, he worked welding electrical signs for ESCO signs and Webster Scale in road construction.
In his younger years, he enjoyed whitewater rafting, circle track racing, deer hunting, downhill skiing and camping. In later years, he enjoyed taking scenic drives and exploring back roads, browsing the internet, tinkering on projects with his grandchildren, visiting family and staying connected by phone.
Survivors include his wife; seven sons (three from a previous marriage to Leta Barclift, Michelle’s son and three they had together), James Richard, Tony, Nicholas and April, Nathan, Eric and Charlie, Royce and Aly, Garret and Casey; 18 grandchildren; sister, Mary O’Dell; brothers, DJ and Carrie Swearingen, Alan and Tamara Swearingen.
He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents and four grandchildren.