James McSwain

James Vernon McSwain, 83, of Norwood, passed away on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at Rowan Regional Medical Center in Salisbury. 

A graveside funeral service will be held at Mt. Zion Methodist Church in Norwood on Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 11:00 AM. Rev. David Hatley will officiate. 

James was born on January 9, 1942 to the late Ray Pierce and Minnie Lou Ingold McSwain. James spent most of his working life as superintendent for natural gas distribution lines across the United States. He worked for Distribution Construction Company, Edwards Pipeline, A&L Underground, and most recently Classic City Utility Incorporated.

The start of his working career began with the opening of Rebel Recapping in the basement of McSwain Grocery in Norwood. In 1969 he with Rossie Barfield partnered to start Norwood Recapping.  His greatest passion was his love for drag racing. He developed his own recapping mold to manufacture racing slicks for the early year race cars that he and Linson Kendall built/raced. One of the biggest accomplishments of  Linson and James was the win of the IHRA Pro Stock Nationals in Bristol Tennessee in the early 70’s.  James racing career continued as a driver for Kendall Racing, Almond Motorsports with numerous wins along the east coast.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Jo Ann Thompson McSwain, and his siblings: Henry Bruce McSwain Sr. and Evelyn Jean McSwain.

He is survived by his children: Jim McSwain (Jennifer), and Joy Swaringen (Chris), his grandson Jarrod Swaringen (Rebekah Webb),  special friend Sherry Allen and his faithful companion Jagg.

Memorials may be made to Mt. Zion Methodist Church (℅ Tammy Blalock, 8402 Whitley Road, Norwood, NC 28128.)

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