Jack Gilbert Swim, 96, of Taylor Ridge, passed away February 15, 2024, at UnityPoint Health – Trinity, Rock Island.

Join us to celebrate Jack at a memorial service at 12pm on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Wheelan-Pressly Funeral Home and Crematory, Rock Island. Private inurnment will be in Rock Island Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Two Rivers United Methodist Church, 1820 5th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201.

Jack was born on March 17, 1927, in Cambridge, IL to Harold and Evelyn (Gager) Swim. In December 1944 after earning enough credits, Jack left Rock Island High School before graduation and enlisted in the United States Navy. Jack served during World War II in the Pacific building runways on the islands of Saipan, Tinian, and Guam where he joined his two brothers. After his discharge from the Navy in 1946 he returned to Rock Island, IL, and married Marilyn Johnson on June 22, 1947. Marilyn sadly preceded Jack in death on September 30, 1982. Jack continued to pursue his education and in 1948 was a charter graduate from the new Moline Community College. Next, he attended Bradley University and completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering. Jack worked at the Rock Island Arsenal for over 31 years and enjoyed over 38 years of retirement that began on January 3, 1986.

Cherishing Jack's memory are his children and their spouses, Carol and Donald India, Patty and Duane Tschappat, daughter-in-law, Kathy Swim, Steve and Shannon Swim; grandchildren and their spouses, Carolyn India-Black and Mike Black, Donald Jr. and Regina India, Ben Swim, Brandon and Jean India, Jeff and Emily Swim, Maria Swim, Paul Swim, Dr. Lara India and Chris Llop, Deanna and Nick Collins; and great-grandchildren, Max, Lucas, Anthony, Sasha, Maya, Adrian, Ember, Olivia, Tyler, Corey, Louis, Milo, Nico, Violet, and one on the way.

Jack was often described as the real deal and one of a kind. Whether it was hosting in Orr, MN, traveling to a beach destination, or heading up to fish in Sandy Bay, Saskatchewan, Canada, Jack met you with a smile and a happy hour invitation. He was a gifted storyteller and prankster, a respected colleague, a best friend, and a beloved father/father-in-law. He loved being a pilot, a woodworker, reading about World War II, and telling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren fantasy stories about two pigs named Ham and Bacon. He will be greatly missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Mike Swim; and brothers, Harold Swim and Kenny Swim.

Condolences may be shared with the family on the Tribute Wall.