Jack Dodson Swaim

Jack Dodson Swaim, 84, of 25 Wedgefield Dr., Asheville, went to meet his Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 30, 2007 at his residence. He passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones. A native of Morristown, TN, Jack will join his father and mother, John Abner and Luster Belle Tittle Swaim; his infant daughter Peggy Jean, infant twin of Laura Jane; and his three brothers, George Preslor, James Ralph and Robert Carl Swaim. He enjoyed raising a vegetable garden for his family each year. He did so until his 82nd year, always having plenty to give friends, also. When WWII came, he defended the cause of freedom, serving in the South Pacific, achieving the rank of Sergeant shortly before his discharge. Jack was proud of his military service and told many stories to family and friends throughout the years. He was honorably discharged from the US Army in 1945, but he never wavered in his love of the country, whose freedom he served to protect. Jack was born next to the Southern Railway tracks in Witt Foundry in Tennessee. All his life, all he wanted to do was follow his father and grandfather as railroad men. He never wanted to do anything but work for the railroad. He realized his dream, and after WWII in 1946, he came to Asheville and joined the Asheville Division of the Southern Railway Company, where he worked for 40 years before retiring in 1986 as a conductor with Norfolk Southern. Afterward, he worked for brief periods for K-Mart as a greeter, a job for which he was especially suited, since he never met a stranger. Mr. Swaim was a member of Bent Creek Baptist Church, where he attended the “Young at Heart” Sunday School Class. A devoted and hardworking father, he leaves behind his beloved wife of 57 years, Floye West Swaim; five children, Laura Jane Swaim Gevedon and husband Terry, John D. Swaim and wife Jeri, of Asheville, Dale A. Swaim, of Asheville, and girlfriend, Carla Howell, Michael T. Swaim, of Houston, TX, and Carolyn E. Swaim Angel and husband William, of Asheville; daughters-in-law, Kenna Swaim of Houston, and Linda Hodge Hall of Leicester; sisters, Mary Sue Hardy, of White Pine, TN, and Frances Fancher, of Morristown, TN; and sisters-in-law, Betty West Rhodes, of Asheville, Edaline Brown West, of Candler, Mary Ruth Swaim, of Bristol, TN, and Agnes Swaim, of Morristown; and several nieces and nephews. Grandpa is survived by 11 grandchildren, Thomas and Aimee Gevedon, Traci and Kristi Swaim, Drew Swaim, Michael, Jr., Garrett and Kaitlyn Swaim, and Joshua, Jacob and Maura Angel. Pop-paw is survived by two great-grandchildren, Nicholas and Elizabeth Gevedon. The family wishes to give special thanks to their wonderful family friend, Patsy Hyatt Peters, Dr. Marc Hellreich, Dr. Deaton Maddox, and all of the caregivers who are too numerable to name. Also, thanks to Hospice for making his last days peaceful and relaxed. To every friend and family member who has shown their love and devotion to this wonderful man. To those who knew him, there has never been a kinder, gentler or more devoted spirit. He loved his family more than words could express. Heaven became a better place when he went to join the Lord. A funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at Bent Creek Baptist Church with the Rev. Tommy Bridges officiating. Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Family night will be Monday evening from 6-8:00 p.m. at Bent Creek Baptist Church. Flowers are appreciated, or donations may be made to Hospice Solace Center, P.O. Box 25338, Asheville, NC 28813.