James Swearngin

Ret. Staff Sergeant US Army James H. "How il ish," Swearngin

Old Warrior James H. Swearngin , 90 of Yakima died Friday evening at Parkside Nursing Home. James was born in Longview, WA., Cowlitz County June 10 1926 to James and Goldie E. Johnson Swearngin. He was the oldest of seven children. He joined the Army in 1945 and fought in the Philippine Liberation and was also part of the occupation force in Japan. After deactivation of the American Division, he got tired of walking and joined the Navy. He served on the USS Burton Island and went to the Arctic and Antarctic with Admiral Richard Byrd. He also made two more polar trips without the Admiral. He rejoined the 737th Transportation Company in Yakima and went to Viet Nam with the unit. There he enlisted back in the regular army. He served a second combat tour and after going to bases around the world he retired with almost 30 years. He holds 2 Bronze Stars, WWll , Korea and Viet Nam medals. Many earned numerous times.
On June 7th 1952 he married Mona Knight Kilpatrick who died in December 2001. He leaves behind his oldest son Jim and wife Dieanna, their children Jamie, Brian and Daun and daughter Mary. Son Michael and wife Janet, and their children Mike, and Jennifer and his youngest son John (Stan). He has numerous grand and great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brothers Delvin, Marvin and Paul and sisters Opal and Ruby and their spouses. He leaves behind his youngest sister Carol York. He was a founder of the Yakama Warriors Association and life member in the VFW, DAV and many local Rodeo Associations,
His greatest honor was being given his Yakama Native name Mi ma How il ish with thanks to the late Warrior Louie Cloud and his wife as well as fellow tribal members. James was Cherokee, Chipewa and Osage and will be deeply missed.
Military Honors will be rendered at Terrace Heights Memorial Park on Monday October 24, 2016 at 2:30 pm. Per his request there will be no viewing and those attending should go to Terrace Heights Memorial Park.

SERVICES

Funeral service
Monday, October 24, 2016
Terrace Heights Memorial Park
3001 Terrace Heights Dr
Yakima, WA 98901