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Jason Swim was born in Greeley, Nebraska on September 30, 1929 to Garner and Ethel Swim. He had one sister, Eva, whom he loved deeply and preceded him in death in 1981. Jason moved to California where he met and married his beloved wife of 63 years, Mary Ann in 1952. They bought their first home in Los Altos, California where their three children were born.
Son Will was born in 1955. He blessed them with 2 grandchildren. Isaac age 39 who married Carlos Machin and Connie age 37 who married Will Brown.
Daughter Jenny was born in 1956. Married to Cole Unger, they added 2 grandchildren. Chatra age 35 and Haydon age 12.
Granddaughter Chatra added a great grandchild, Sienna age 9.
Daughter Mary was born in 1958. Married to Dan Gregory blessed them with 4 grandchildren. Grandson Joshua age 39. Grandson Ben 37, married to Juli adding great grandchildren Colin age 12 and Bailey age 6. Grandson Jonathan age 33 married to Leah adding great grandchildren McKay age 4, Hunter-who was only with us for a day (probably fishing with grandpa right now!), and Lennox age 6 months. Grandson James age 31 married to Lizz.
Jason proudly served in the Army as a paratrooper, separating with the rank of Sergeant and believed every American should serve his country in some form of the military. During his time in the Army, he had a mechanics shop where he and his cousin George Scott built engines for hotrod cars. The grease from the engines seemed stained on his hands as throughout his life he was always under the hood of hotrods, machinery or family cars. He was a master at building and fixing things.
He was an Owner Operator of heavy equipment as a trade, a “Blademan" – the master class operator of the project. He was well known and respected for his expertise and mentored many young operators over his career including his son Will, son-in law Dan and son (in spirit) Ralph Roberts. He took great pride in his work, which included building many of the freeways in Southern California, countless commercial and residential sites, even the parking lot of Disneyland!
Jason considered himself “A Good Ol’ Country Boy” and enjoyed ballad style country music, fishing and “old stuff.” His fascination with old stuff ran deep in his veins. He often said, “If only this stuff could talk!” His curiosity and love for life was contagious.
His obsession with fishing started at a very young age and was ingrained in his character. Among his families’ fondest memories are the times that he spent patiently teaching family and friend alike, to fish. After retirement Jason and Mary lived on their 260-acre homestead in Red Bluff California with 2 ponds and plenty of room to roam and fish.
Then there was Jason’s amazing sense of humor and love of a good joke or story. He was a true optimist and lover of life itself. Anytime he was asked, “How ya’ doin’ Jason?” his answer was ALWAYS “Fantastic!”
With the deepest grief imaginable, Jason battled Alzheimer’s in his last years. His memory faded and he slowly lost his ability to communicate. In spite of this, his humor and kindness never left his heart. The words “Thank you kindly” were recognizable even as the disease progressed.
Jason was a devout Catholic, remarkable human being, loving and kind husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend.
There are few persons on this earth that could fill his shoes. To say he was deeply loved and highly esteemed is an understatement. Jason’s absence in our lives will leave an immense void until we have the joy of seeing him again in eternity.
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1929 - 2017 (87 years)
