Jim Ray Swatsenbarg, age 80, Carthage, Missouri, passed away Thursday morning January 22, 2026 at his home. Jim was born January 23, 1945, in Napa, California, son of the late Raymond Albert Swatsenbarg and Loretta Aline (Cupp) Swatsenbarg.
He was a graduate of Sacramento High School. Graduate of Sacramento City College with an Associate Degree in Construction Technology. Graduate of Highway Patrol Academy, California, Graduate of Golden Gate University, San Francisco, California with a Bachelor Degree in Accounting. Diploma, Hospitality, Educational Institute, AHMA, BOCA Certification- Residential Combination Inspector (includes Electrical) and BOCS Certification-Commercial Building Inspector.
He married Linda LaVine on September 28, 1974 in Occidental, California
Jim was highway patrolman from May 1969 to February 1981. From August 1981 until June 1993, he was employed by Major Hotel Companies. Later when he moved to Carthage, he was employed by both the City of Carthage and Carthage Water and Electric. Retiring in 2008. He was also served as a Carthage City councilman.
He was a member of The Bridge (First Christian Church). He was also an elder. He enjoyed teaching Answers in Gensis, and Financial Peace. He and his wife held 19 classes of Financial Peace with 136 graduates. Lead a HIM ministry helping church members with home improvements. Each Year prepared a Thanksgiving dinner for Senior Saints and Hosted the annual Maple Leaf Breakfast.
Survivors include his wife of 51 years, Linda “Sam”; sisters-in-law: Virgina Swatsenbarg, Cheri Gosselin and Denise Mezzanari (Gary). One Daughter, Gina Banks (Micheal); Granddaughters: Abbe Bridges (Klay), Amy and grandson Josh. Great-granddaughters, Finley and Lenna. Neice, Tammy Lamar (Kelly) daughters: Morgan Heimgarher, Megan (Michael James, Emalee (Landon) Clement. Nephew, Jody (Shanna) Swatsenbarg. Daughters: Alli Swatsenbarg, Brittany Wills, Danielle Anderson and one son Aaron Anderson. And 6 great great neices and nephews.
Nephew Kory Gosselin, wife Erin, Kody, son and Charlie daughter. Neice Shayla Watt (Garret), son Parker and daughter Jolene. Neice Staci Sedano (Micheal) daughter Paisley and sons Levi and Wyatt. Jim was also preceded in death by a brother, Terry and two sisters, Shirley Fisch and Rosella Schremmer.
Per Jim’s wishes, there was cremation. Memorial services are pending and will be announced by the Knell Mortuary. Private family burial will take place at a later date in California. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to The Bridge or Hearts and Hammers in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com.
