James R. Sweigard, 87, of the Byre Mor Court apartments in Butler, formerly of Greenville, passed away at 12:35 p.m. Saturday in the hospice unit of VA Butler Healthcare.

Born Sept. 5, 1923, he was the son of the late Edward J. Sweigard and Laura H. Christine Sweigard.

Mr. Sweigard was a graduate of Greenville High School and a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during World War II in England and France as part of the 614th Engineer Base Equipment Co. He was the recipient of the American Campaign Medal, the European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and a World War II Victory Medal.

Mr. Sweigard retired after 40 years on June 30, 1982, from the Bessemer and Lake Erie Railroad as a transportation equipment manager.

He was a member of the Zion's Reformed United Church of Christ in Greenville. He also was a member of the VFW Post 3374 and a life member of the American Legion Post 140, both in Greenville.

Mr. Sweigard was married to Louise Ryan Saylor Sweigard. She preceded him in death March 23, 1980.

He is survived by one daughter, Vivian A. Gregg and her husband, Kenneth L., of Butler; five grandchildren, Christopher, Michael and Joshua Sweigard, Megan Lewis and Brody Gregg; one sister, Mary Ellen Butler of Mansfield, Ohio; his daughters-in-law, Phyllis Sweigard and Araceli Estrada Gonzalaz, both of Nashville, Tenn.; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Sweigard was preceded in death by his son, one brother, and four sisters.

<B>SWEIGARD </B>— Private visitation and funeral services for James R. Sweigard, who died Saturday, Jan. 29, 2011, will be held, and interment will take place in Greenville Cemetery.Arrangements are being handled by the <B>Thompson-Miller Funeral Home</B>, 124 E. North St. Butler, and information and a private guest book are available at www.thompson-miller.com.