Dr. James Swearengen

Dr. James “Jim” Ray Swearengen, 62, of Frederick, Maryland passed away after a 16-month battle with brain cancer on Tuesday July 16th, surrounded by his loved ones. He is survived by his wife Michele, his two sons Eric (Lily) and Ken (Katie), his grandchildren Eliza and Viggo, his mother Lois (Maggart) Swearengen, and his two brothers Mike and Joe and their families. He was preceded in death by his father Dewaine and his brother Robert.

Jim was born in Kirkville, Missouri to Lois and Dewaine Swearengen in 1957. Growing up on a farm, he developed a passion for animals that he turned into a career as a veterinarian. Shortly after the birth of his first son he joined the US Army Veterinary Corp and ended up serving 21 years, retiring as a Colonel. He and his family were stationed in Germany until 1990 and he eventually became board certified in laboratory animal medicine. He also served as a United Nations biological weapons inspector after the first Gulf War.

After retiring from the Army as the Deputy Commander of the United States Army Medical Research Institute of Infectious Diseases (USAMRIID), Jim worked as a laboratory animal consultant for AAALAC International and the National Biodefense Analysis and Countermeasures Center (NBACC) and published several papers on laboratory animal care.

When he wasn’t in his workshop making furniture or working around the house, he was on the floor playing with his grandchildren, taking his wife on dates to Taco Bell, or trading off practical jokes with his sons. His sense of humor and love for his family will be missed.

A Celebration of Life Service will take place at the American Legion Francis Scott Key Post 11, 1450 Taney Ave, Frederick, MD 21702 on July 28th at 12:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to either Johns Hopkins brain cancer research or the hospice center that assisted in his care.

Checks for cancer research can be made out to “Johns Hopkins University” and mailed to:

Kimmel Development Office

750 E. Pratt Street Suite 1700

Baltimore, MD 21202

Please include a note along with the check that says “In honor of Jim Swearengen and designate to Dr. Holdhoff’s Research”.

Checks for hospice care can be made out to “Hospice of Frederick County” and mailed to:

Hospice of Frederick County

P.O. Box 1799

Frederick, MD 21702