Menu
Jim Schwaninger Sr.
SIKESTON — James C. “Jim” Schwaninger Sr. passed away peacefully at his home on 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 Jr. (Cynthia) Schwaninger 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, Laura (Elaine) Schwaninger of St. Louis, Missouri; his brother, Robert Jr. (Jennifer) Schwaninger or Alton, Illinois; and his three grandchildren, Tommy, Trey and Kate.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert Sr. and Marjorie Faber Schwaninger; one 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.
Please come and celebrate Jim’s life with us at his visitation on Sunday, June 19, 2022, at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel, 205 N. Stoddard St., Sikeston, MO 63801 from 5 p.m. until time of rosary at 7 p.m.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday, June 20, 2022, at 11 a.m. at the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 245 W. Front St., Sikeston, MO 63801 with Father Colby Elbert officiating.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for the Schwaninger family can be shared at www.nunneleefuneralchapel.com.
——
Donations may be made to the Kenny Rogers Children’s Center, the Sikeston Depot Museum or to the St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church would please and honor him.