George Tupper Swaim, 90, of Manteno, died peacefully at home, in the company of his loving wife, Alice, March 16, 2012. Cremation rites were accorded and memorial services will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Kankakee Valley, the YMCA, or to St. Mark United Methodist Church in Kankakee.

George was born Jan. 5, 1922, in Gibson City. He graduated from Kankakee High School in 1939 and continued his education at the University of Illinois, where he graduated first with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1943. That same year, he joined the U.S. Navy and attended the Columbia University’s Midshipmen’s School. Upon completion, he received the commission of ensign. He proudly served his country for three years, spending 18 months overseas and was involved in the securing of the Solomon Islands and two invasions of the Philippines. While in the Navy, he was commissioned to lieutenant commander. Upon graduation from the University of Illinois in 1950 with a Master of Arts degree, he attended Tulane University Law School, graduating in 1953 with a Juris Doctor degree. While at Tulane, he was elected student body president.

In Kankakee, Mr. Swaim began an active law practice with a focus on defense trial work. He was the oldest lawyer in Kankakee County. After retirement, he worked with Legal Aid. While practicing law, he also had a side career in community service. In the community, he became known for his integrity and high code of ethics. A charter member of the Kankakee Area Jaycees, George served as their vice president and was voted Man of the Year by them in 1955. He was a 40-year member of the Kiwanis Club and served on the board of directors of the Kankakee Chamber of Commerce. He was also on the planning committee of Riverside Hospital. Mr. Swaim was a Mason and a Shriner, as well as past president of the Shriners Club. He was a 12-year member of the board of directors of the Community Chest, now known as the United Way. He was on the foundation board of the Kankakee County Training Center. He also worked with the American Red Cross, where he was an 8 gallon donor.

George adored his wife, Alice, who will miss him dearly. His last words, a few days before he died, were said to his wife: “I adore you, and I love you.”

He is also survived by two sons, Tupper (Yvonne) and Michael Swaim, and their families; one daughter, Sher (August) and her family; four grandsons, Bill, Mark, Tup and Jay; and a granddaughter, Nicole. The light of his life was a special granddaughter, Lori. He immensely enjoyed her yearly visit from Montana, as well as her weekly phone calls. He was loved by his stepsons, Ronald and Scott Armstrong. George will also be missed by his very special friend and brother-in-law, Harry Swanson.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Frances (Hannah) Swaim; his first wife, Mary Jean Sellers; his son, Judge Scott Swaim; and his stepson, Greg Armstrong.

Please sign his guestbook at schrefflerfuneralhomes.com.