The campus community mourns the passing of James Swan, 69, who died Wednesday, Dec. 20. James retired from Bucknell in 2017 as Professor Emeritus of Chemistry after more than 33 years of service as a faculty member.
Jim’s colleagues remember him above all else as a kind person who truly loved analytical chemistry. He was generous with his time and served as an excellent mentor for new faculty and for his students.
I encourage you to visit our In Memoriam site to share personal notes of sympathy and remembrance with others.
On behalf of our entire University community, I extend our deepest sympathies to James’ family, as well as to all who knew him at Bucknell.
John C. Bravman
President
James S. Swan, III, 69, died Wednesday, December 20, 2023 at Geisinger Medical Center, Danville.
He was born in Erie and was the son of the late James S. and Doris H. (Sachrison) Swan, Jr.
On December 27, 2008, James married the former Linda A. (Zaleski), who survives of Lewisburg, and together they would have celebrated 15 years of marriage this year.
He was a graduate of Strong Vincent High School Class of 1972. He then went on to Kentucky University and Penn State University where he earned his PhD in Chemistry. After school he started working for Bucknell University, Lewisburg and had a proud career as a Chemistry Professor for over 33 years.
He attended St. Andrews Church, Lewisburg and was a member of the American Chemical Society. James was an outdoors person who enjoyed hiking, running marathons and being surrounded by nature.
In addition to his wife Linda, James is survived by one son; Elliott N. Swan, one daughter; Autumn E. Swan of East Stroudsburg, one sister and brother-in-law; Carol and Mark Zamperini of Erie, two nieces; Karen (Heckelman) Zamperini and Katherine Zamperini and two nephews; David (Jennifer) Zamperini and Matthew (Olena) Zamperini.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the V Foundation at www.V.org
All services for James are being handled privately at the convenience of the family. Arrangements are being handled by Dale Ranck Cremation & Funeral Care, 125 N. Front Street, Milton.
I have fond memories of the Swan family from back in the days when my husband and I ran Donehower’s in Lewisburg. Jim was a gentle soul and I loved seeing the kids grow up. It is so good to read that Autumn must have remained in good health. And that darling little Elliot… no one is little anymore.
My wishes go out that you shoulder this together and lend one another strength and sweet memories.
Leslie and David Velz