James Lee “Jim” Swailes, 89, of Mount Pleasant passed away on Friday, February 6, 2026, at his residence.
Jim was born on February 2, 1937, in Mount Pleasant, the son of Arthur Thomas and Erma Frances (Brownell) Swailes. He graduated from Olds High School in the class of 1956. Jim was united in marriage to Madeline Anderson on January 18, 1959, at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Mount Pleasant. Jim worked for the City of Mount Pleasant for 37 years. One could see Jim and his brother Harold at the car races most nights. He took pride in raising a large garden and keeping his yard looking perfect. He was an avid Chicago Cubs and Iowa Hawkeye fan. Jim enjoyed spending time with his family and going to his grandchildren’s events. Jim was a member of St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Mount Pleasant.
Those thankful for sharing in his life include his wife, Madeline, of 67 years, his children, Michael Swailes, Jane (Rob) Kinney both of Mount Pleasant and Phillip (Chris) Swailes, of Houghton, and his grandchildren, Paige (Spencer) Newman, Justin (Jade) Swailes, Jason Swailes and Jacob (Savannah Yauk) Swailes, his great grandchildren, Brantley, Piper, Beckett, Jordyn and Jaxson, his two sisters, Janice (Jack) Murphy of Lockridge and Betty Farley of Mount Pleasant, along with several nieces, nephews and his sister-in-law, Alma (Kent) Bennett, of Mount Pleasant.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, his two brothers, Robert Arthur Swailes, Harold William Swailes and a brother-in-law, David Farley.
The service of Requiem Holy Eucharist will be held on Friday, February 13, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Episcopal Church in Mount Pleasant with Reverend Carl Mann officiating. Friends may call after 2 p.m. on Thursday at the Murphy Funeral Home in Mount Pleasant where the family will be present from 5 to 7 p.m. that evening. Cremation will follow the service, and burial will be held at a later date in the White Oak Cemetery, rural Mount Pleasant. Memorials may be directed to the St. Michaels’ Episcopal Church or to Every Step Hospice in his memory.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.murphyfuneralandmonuments.com
The Murphy Funeral Home of Mount Pleasant is honored to serve the family with love, comfort and dignity as we celebrate the life of Jim Swailes.