James Eugene Swearengin July 25, 1937 - April 10, 2024

James Eugene Swearengin, age 86, of Sparta, Missouri, passed away Wednesday, April 10, 2024 in his home surrounded by his loving family. Jim was born July 25, 1937 in the Dogwood Community located in Douglas County. He was the son of Oscar Murlin and Ida (Yates) Swearengin. On December 19, 1959 Jim was united in marriage to Katherine Yeary and to this union four children were born.

Jim proudly served our country as a member of the United States Navy and later received an honorable discharge. Jim was born shortly after the depression era and he would often talk about the times he lived through, seeing his father work for thirty cents an hour to provide for his family or plowing fields with mules. Learning from his Dad, provided Jim with good work ethics and skills. Later, Jim was employed with Kraft Foods in Springfield, Missouri, until his retirement. In his spare time, Jim was on his farm caring for his cattle, watching his grandchildren play or spending time with Katherine. He was also well-known for his “green thumb” and gardening skills. His gardens produced beautiful vegetables and he enjoyed sharing them with friends and his family. Jim was a longtime member of Sparta Church of Christ, presently he was attending Plainview Church of Christ, Jim was a dedicated Christian. He will be sadly missed but his loving memory will live on in the hearts of his wonderful family.

Jim was preceded in death by his parents, one sister Betty Fitzgerald and two brothers Tommy Swearengin and Dwight Swearengin; bother-in-law Stanley Workman and sister-in-law Floretta Swearengin.

Jim is lovingly survived by his wife of 65 years Katherine; two sons Robert Swearengin and Roger Swearengin; two daughters Tina Workizer and husband Randy, and Christy Barb and husband Matthew; adopted son Kenny Heriford; five grandchildren Anna Swearengin, Megan Workizer, Ally Barb, Davin Workizer and Chandler Barb; one great-granddaughter Finley June Rubrecht; other relatives include four siblings Peggy Grimes and husband Jesse, Joan Workman, Dean Swearengin and wife Dortha, Janis Preston and husband Bill; sister-in-law Diane Swearengin; and in Jim’s own words, “a bus load of nieces, nephews and a train load of cousins.”

Funeral services for Jim will be 2:00 P.M. Saturday, April 13, 2024, in Barnes Family Funeral Home, Ozark, Missouri. Burial will follow in Sparta Cemetery and the visitation will be held one hour prior to the service and will begin at 1:00 P.M. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com