James R. "Jim" Sward, 81, of Galesburg, died at 11:25 p.m. Wednesday, August 14, 2024, in OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria.
He was born July 8, 1943, in Monmouth, the son of Dale R. and Bessie I. (Nelson) Sward. He married Patricia Sands and had two daughters. He later married Carolyn Lauritsen on December 9, 1983, in Independence, Iowa.
He is survived by his wife of nearly 41 years, Carolyn; two daughters, Becky (Tom) Havel of Carol Stream and Kathy (Chuck) Naffier of St. Charles; a stepdaughter, Amanda (Brian) Wilkinson of Winfield; his constant companion, Buddy, an Australian Shepherd; and a brother-in-law, Tom Cinnamon of Normal. Jim was also a much-loved grandfather and great grandfather to many grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, Dale Sward; mother, Bessie Sward Wright; stepfather, Donald Wright; and sister, Martha Cinnamon.
Jim graduated from Galesburg High School in 1961 and attended Carl Sandburg College. Jim had worked as a conductor and brakeman f

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