James D. "Jim" Swartz, 83, of Bedford, passed away Friday, June 26, 2026, at I.U. Health Bloomington Hospital. Born April 30, 1943, in Lawrence County, he was the son of Herman and Nellie (Mayo) Newlin.

Jim worked at the LARC Center, Hardees and for Dr. Lucille Oswalt. He attended Needmore School and was a member of Gullett's Creek Baptist Church and Fishing Creek Chapel. Jim loved going to church and playing the harmonica. He enjoyed his years working at the LARC Center and he never met a stranger, he was loved by many.

Surviving to cherish Jim's memory are his three brothers, Kenny Swartz, Mike Swartz and Randy (Marlena) Swartz; four sisters, Rosamond (Bob) Kern, Shirley K. Terry, Elaine Kern, and Rita (Ronnie) Tarr; along with several nieces and nephews.

Preceding Jim in death were his parents, Herman Swartz and Nellie Newlin; step-father, Tom Newlin; and two siblings in infancy.

Funeral services for Jim will be held at 11:00am, Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at the Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes in Bedford with Pastor Kyle Stewart and Pastor Billy Brim officiating. Burial will follow at noon in Beech Grove Cemetery. Visitation will also be on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at Ferguson-Lee Chapel, beginning at 9:30am and continuing until the hour of service.

The staff of Ferguson-Lee Chapel of Thorne Family Funeral Homes is honored to have been entrusted with the care of Jim and his family during this difficult time.

Memories and condolences may be shared and flowers ordered at www.ThorneFamilyFunerals.com.