Obituary of James E. Swalm Sr.
Dr. James E. Swalm Sr, age 87, beloved husband of Carole-Jo Swalm (nee Schroeder), passed away peacefully on Feb 28, 2026, surrounded by his family.
Jim resided in Maris Grove, Glen Mills, PA (formerly of Bridgewater, N.J.). He graduated from Freehold H.S. and went on to receive an undergraduate degree in education from The College of N.J. He then earned both a Master's and a Doctorate from Rutgers University in educational administration. After graduation, he taught at Rutgers University and followed that by being employed by the N.J. Dept of Education. Eventually, he moved on to be a principal and then superintendent in many N.J. schools, retiring from Flemington, N.J. After retirement, he had a second career writing and publishing test preparation materials for elementary school students.
The highlight of Jim's life was his family. He left behind a family who loved him deeply and who will carry his legacy forward in how they work, how they lead, how they love, and how they show up for one another. He was a constant presence in his family's life and attended many games, concerts, and graduations, as well as playing knights and castles on the floor with the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He gave his time to coach many of his children's soccer teams, was a Cub Scout leader, and a school board president.
In his free time, Jim loved woodworking and had many home workshops over the years. This hobby led him to build two grandfather clocks for his children. Jim was a longtime member of the Johannes Schwalm Organization and enjoyed researching and preserving the genealogy of his family, serving on the board of directors, and attending the annual reunions. Musically, he played the trombone in the N.J. All State Band, the college band, and sang in the Rutgers Glee Club. As a Mason, he was past master of Jerusalem Lodge #26. Jim also achieved the rank of Eagle Scout as a young man. Jim enjoyed 40 years of traveling the U.S. and Canada with his wife and children in their travel trailer, while always listening to Simon and Garfunkel. In later years, special celebrations were spent on cruises with the children and grandchildren. There were also many trips to the Berkshires and winters spent in San Diego.
Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Carole-Jo Swalm, his son, Dr. James E. Swalm Jr. (Cathy), his daughter, Jennifer Swalm Reap, his grandchildren, Taylor Beal (JB), Christian Swalm, Connor Swalm (Ashley), Chandler Swalm (Alli), Jaydon Reap (Evelyn), Eden Reap, and Selah Reap. Also, his great-grandchildren. Colton, Kellan, Paxton, Luna, Lucia, and Wesley.
Friends and family are welcome to a Celebration of Life Service on Saturday, April 25, 2026. Visitation begins at 10:30 am with the service following at 11:30 am, at The Maris Grove Chapel, 200 Maris Grove Way, Glen Mills, PA.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a favorite charity of your choice. Online condolences may be shared at www.paganofuneralhome.com.
