James Lee Swart

James Lee Swart, 92, of Washington, died Tuesday, June 21, 2016, in Monongahela Valley Hospital. He was born February 22, 1924, in Washington, a son of John A. Swart and Marie Langenbacher Swart. A World War II veteran, Mr. Swart enlisted in the United States Marine Corps on November 21, 1941. He served as an aerial gunner and crew chief in the South Pacific on the Marshall, Marianas, Gilbert and Solomon Islands. He was awarded an American Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal and a Good Conduct Medal. Mr. Swart was honorably discharged on November 26, 1945, with a rank of Technical Sergeant. In 1980, he retired from Belle Telephone Company as a manager after 32 years of service. Mr. Swart was past commandant of the Marine Corps League in Washington and past commodore of the Ten Mile Yacht Club. He was a member of American Legion Edwin Scott Linton Post 175, the Bears Club in Meadowlands, and the Arms Club in Washington, and was a lifetime member of both the VFW in Canonsburg and Elks Lodge 776 in Washington. Mr. Swart was Catholic by faith. On August 7, 1953, he married Jean Kolosky, who survives. They celebrated 60 plus years together. Surviving are several nieces and nephews. He was the last of his immediate family. Deceased are his brothers, Jack and Bob Swart; and sisters, Celestine Moriarty and Betty Mawhinney. At the request of the deceased, there will be no viewing. Private inurnment will be held in Washington Cemetery.