Earnest J. "Jim" Swiney

Earnest J. "Jim" Swiney, age 75, formerly of Sherrodsville and Bowerston, died Sunday morning, November 15, 2015 in  the Country Club Retirement Campus at Dover. 

He was born September 18, 1940  to the late Rev. Finas and Zelma Elkins Swiney in Big Sandy, West Virginia. He was the fourth of the 14 siblings born to this union. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by  two sisters Barbara Ann Swiney and Terry G. Dunn, and two brothers Rex Swiney and Onsby Swiney.

Earnest "Jim" spent the majority of his adult life in the Sherrodsville and Bowerston areas.  He held several jobs throughout his lifetime, mostly in the mining industry - holding a variety of positions ranging from foreman to truck driver. He was a very gifted person, and had a particular talent with virtually any type of machinery.  He could repair almost anything, so he never lacked employment. Jim had a  great love for animals, but horses was his true passion. He was adept at working with leather and made much of the tack and bridles that he used with his horses.  He was an avid trail rider through which he enjoyed the companionship of his fellow horsemen.  He loved dancing and listening to Bluegrass music. A true outdoorsman, he found contentment in the simple pleasures of camping and eating with his friends. Jim was a very friendly individual who cared deeply for his friends and family.  He gave his heart to the Lord at a young age and rededicated his life as an adult, so he will be reunited with his beloved  family again someday.  

He is survived by three children Ernest James "Jim" Swiney of Carrollton, O.,  Tami Hintz and her fiancee Carl Rypien of Uhrichsville, O.,  and Gregory D. Swiney of Freeport, O., nine grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren and his nine remaining siblings Ruth E. Wallace of New Philadelphia, O.,  Mrs. Rudale (Ross) Pool of Hudson, Florida, Linda Carr of Leesville, O., Mrs. Betty S. (Bill) Webster of Clarkson, Michigan, Roger L. (Linda) Swiney of Sherrodsville, Kenneth B. Swiney of St. Petersburg, Fla., Imogene Swiney of Sherrodsville, Jerry Swiney of Scio, O.,  and Sharon Stitt of Bowerston.

A Memorial Service will be observed 11:00 A.M. Monday, November 23, 2015  in the  Baxter-Gardner Funeral Home at Sherrodsville with  Elder Arthur "Bud" McGuire officiating.  Interment of his ashes to follow in the Sherrodsville Memorial Gardens. To leave an online condolence message please visit the funeral home website.

Baxter-Gardner
(740) 269-9225
www.baxtergardner.com

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