James R. Swain

James R. Swain, Jr., 84 of Billings, passed away Friday, May 25, 2012, at St. Vincent Healthcare following a short but gallant battle with leukemia. Jim was born February 10, 1928 in Billings, Mont. the son of Esther (Prindle) and James R. Swain, Sr. He was one of 3 children. He was raised in Hardin and graduated from Hardin High School in 1946.

Jim was in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and served in the infantry and was honorably discharge in October of 1952. After his military service, he began his career with the Montana Power Company where he continued to work until his retirement in 1989. He was very proud of his nearly 40 year dedication to Montana Power, and made very strong friendships with the people he worked with.

In 1955 he met the love of his life Nega Jovanovich and they were married on February 22, 1956. Their only son James was born on October 1, 1957.

Jim loved the outdoors and was an excellent fly fisherman and enjoyed many days goose hunting with his son. He had a passion for sports in particular baseball, football and basketball. Jim was an avid Billings West High fan, watching his son participate as well as his wonderful grandchildren, Jimmy, Eli and Josh. His proudest moments came when he watched his grandchildren play basketball and football.

In 1970, Jim bought a cabin in Camp Senia in the Beartooth Mountains. He cherished his time there with family, in particular, the times spent fly fishing with his son and grandchildren. Many hours were spent with laughter, usually following one of dad's many stories.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Nega; and his brother Harry Swain.

He is survived by his son James D. Swain and his fiancée Patricia Racioppi and his sister his Jean Grimm, all of Billings. Jim was the proudest grandpa to his three grandsons Jimmy, Josh, and Eli (Amanda Wise) and his great-grandson, Eli's son, Paeton Lee. He is also survived by Nega's extended family, the Jovanovich's, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and numerous great friends.

The family will be receiving friends for visitation on Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. The casket will be open prior to the service. Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, May 31 at Michelotti-Sawyers Mortuary. Interment and Military Honors will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to the Leukemia Foundation or United Blood Services.

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