Honoring the Memory
of Those
We Love

Age 93, known as “Jim” or “Sam” by his friends and colleagues, died peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, September 13, 2022 after a brief illness. Jim was born on December 1, 1928 in Belleville, Pennsylvania, the only son of Samuel Rodger Swigart and Nellie Allegra Wills. As a teenager, his first job was with Ka-Vee Ice Cream Company in Belleville. He graduated from Belleville High School in May 1946, then attended Kiskiminetas Springs Prep School in Saltsburg, PA. Jim joined the Armed Forces and proudly served his country during the Korean war. After his honorable discharge at rank of sergeant, Jim moved to Pittsburgh in 1955 to begin his distinguished, 34year career as a computer programmer and operator in the Atomic Power Division of Westinghouse at Bettis.Jim had a lifelong love of military airplanes, compiling our family’s genealogy tree and a passion for collecting stamps, coins, early American glassware and antiques. He was a member of the 30th Field Artillery regiment and attended their reunions annually. Jim enjoyed vacationing in Cape May, NJ and traveling to Germany. His surviving family and friends remember him as a loving father, grandfather and great grandfather, who was always positive, smiling and enjoyed life to the fullest.Jim is survived by his wife of 47 years, Joan Swigart of Brentwood, PA. Jim is also survived by 3 daughters, Elizabeth Lyn Wills (Bill Cassada) of Madison, VA, Rachel Diane Parker of Bethel Park, PA and Kathleen Sue Larimer (John Larimer) of Mableton, GA; 6 granddaughters, Bethany Lyn Gallagher (Kieran), Audrey Diane Brooks (Dave), Madison Samantha Jencka, Averrey Allegra Jencka, Mathena Ashlyn Jencka and Quinn Marguerite Larimer; 7 great grandchildren, Nolan, Jack and Maeve Gallagher, and Emmett, Isaac, Lucia and Everly Brooks. Jim was predeceased by his parents.A private family interment will be held in Belleville, PA at a future date. Arrangements handled by the John F. Slater Funeral Home, Inc., 412-881-4100, 4201 Brownsville Road, Brentwood 15227. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Jim’s name to: Kishacoquillas Valley Historical Society (KVHS), P.O. Box 43, Allensville, PA 17002.