James Schwaninger Sr.

SIKESTON, Mo. -- James C. "Jim" Schwaninger Sr. passed away peacefully at his home Saturday, June 11, 2022, at the age of 79.

He was the loving husband of Marilyn F. Grojean Schwaninger, with whom he shared 56 years of marriage. His last few weeks of his life were highlighted by limited visits from family and friends as he gave way to cancer.

Jim is survived by his wife; his sons, Jim (Cynthia) Schwaninger Jr. of Exton, Pennsylvania; Jeff (Elizabeth) Schwaninger of Herndon, Virginia; and Joe Schwaninger of Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina; his sisters, Colleen (Herbert) Ritchie of Punta Gorda, Florida; Barbara Haley of Bessemer, Alabama; and Laura (Elaine) Schwaninger of St. Louis; his brother, Robert (Jennifer) Schwaninger Jr. of Alton, Illinois; and his three grandchildren, Tommy, Trey and Kate.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Marjorie Faber Schwaninger Sr.; sister, Linda Leubkert; and three brothers-in-law, Michael Leubkert, Joshua Haley and Rick Bach.

Jim lived a full and accomplished life. The oldest of six siblings, he joined the United States Marines Corps on his 17th birthday, and returned four years later to attend college, wed Marilyn and begin a family. His successful career in public relations and government relations earned him countless awards, rewarding experiences and advancement to executive leadership positions with J.C. Penney and the United Way of America. His career moved the family around for employment opportunities in Chicago, New York and Washington, D.C., before he ultimately returned to Missouri with Marilyn in retirement.

He was a member of the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sikeston, where he served in numerous volunteer and civic roles supporting the community. His service to the neighborhood friends of Mount Vernon Estate, the Sikeston Area Chamber of Commerce, the Kenny Rogers Children's Center, the Scott County Economic Development Department and the Montgomery Bank Board of Directors were among his most rewarding contributions.

A funeral Mass was celebrated at 11 a.m. Monday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Sikeston. The Rev. Colby Elbert officiated.

Donations to the Kenny Rogers Children's Center, the Sikeston Depot Museum or to the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church would please and honor Jim.

Nunnelee Funeral Chapel was in charge of arrangements.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com for the Schwaninger family.