James Leon McSwain

In lieu of flowers at the request of the family please donate to the following charities https://www.stjude.org/give.html https://www.lls.org/ways-to-give https://diabetes.org/ways-to-give James McSwain of Duluth, GA, passed away on February 23, 2025, at the age of 85. He was born on May 25, 1939, in St. Louis, Missouri, to Ritchetta McSwain as her firstborn son. James and his younger brother, Dennis, later moved to Chicago, Illinois, where he grew up and built a life of service and dedication. He accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and was baptized at First Baptist Church. James attended Gillespie Elementary School and furthered his education at Chicago Vocational School. In 1961, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army, serving as a Sharpshooter (Rifle M1) until 1965. James had a long and distinguished career, working at U.S. Steel South Works as an Overhead Crane Operator and Steel Inspector before joining the Chicago Police Department in 1965. He served the community for 30 years, retiring in 1995, with much of his time spent in the Englewood District’s Neighborhood Relations unit. In Chicago, James met and married the love of his life, Cleo, with whom he shared 51 wonderful years. They lived in Chicago and its suburbs before relocating to Douglasville and Duluth, GA. He was a generous man, always believing that it is better to give than to receive, supporting numerous charities throughout his life. James enjoyed smooth jazz, a Crown Royal on the rocks, traveling, sports, exercising, fishing, and shooting pool. He lived life to the fullest, never sweating the small stuff, and was a genuine friend to many. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cleo, his brother, Dennis, and his stepson, Michael Slater. James leaves to rejoice in his memory: his loving daughter, Lisa Colbert of Okmulgee, OK; granddaughter, Terena Colbert of Frisco, TX; stepson, Anthony Slater (Lillian) of Washington, DC; step-granddaughter, Michiah Porter of Atlanta, GA; and step-grandson, Elijah Porter. He is also survived by his first cousins Wendy Sparkmon and Kimberly Sparkmon of Michigan City, IN; Angela Brewster of Elk Grove, CA; Yolanda Winston and Regina Davis of Maryland, IN; Cheryl Taylor of Fairfield, CA; and a host of extended family members, cousins, and dear friends. James McSwain’s legacy of kindness, dedication, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Tributes

James Leon McSwain

May 25, 1939 - February 23, 2025