Father James Richard Swiat

Father James Richard Swiat, 82, of Traverse City, MI, passed away unexpectedly at home on July 21st, 2024. Born on December 5, 1941, in Flint, MI, Father Swiat was the son of Richard Joseph Swiat and Frances Bridget (Carey). He grew up with three siblings: Molly Swiat of Lake Zurich, IL, Sally Swiat Hanley of Traverse City, and Richard G. Swiat of Northport, MI. Father Swiat was ordained into the Catholic priesthood on June 3, 1967, by Most Reverend Alexander Zaleski of the Diocese of Lansing. His vocation led him to serve as Parochial Vicar at St. John The Evangelist in Jackson, St. Agnes in Flint, and Holy Family in Grand Blanc. He also served as the Diocesan Director of Vocations from 1972-1983 and was the director of the Oak Street Formation House from 1979-1983. Father Swiat was appointed pastor at Holy Family Parish in Grand Blanc, serving from 1983 until his retirement in 2007. Even after retiring, he remained active in the community, volunteering in various capacities and serving as the Sacramental Minister at St. Kateri Tekakwitha, Peshawbetown, Diocese of Gaylord, since September 2018. Known for his dedication to his vocation and the people he served, Father Swiat was loved and trusted by many. He was a loyal friend and a patient counselor who sought the good in people and supported them in their journeys. He was also an avid gardener with a green thumb, enjoying both a home garden during the summer and numerous house plants. Father Swiat had a deep love for his pets. Throughout his retirement, he provided a home for three different rescue dogs: Chloe, Kerry, and Honey. They were his close companions in his later years. Father Swiat is survived by his sisters Molly Swiat and Sally Swiat Hanley; his brother Richard G. Swiat; his brother-in-law Tim; his sister-in-law Shelly; his nephews Michael H. Hanley, Matthew T. Hanley, Richard M. Swiat, Nicholas J. Swiat, Mark Swiat, and Carey Swiat; and his niece Amber Gracie. He was a beloved uncle and family member, cherished by all who knew him. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, August 6th, from 5-7 pm at St. Francis Catholic Church, 1025 S. Union St. Traverse City, MI 49684. A Scripture Service beginning at 7 pm. Another visitation will take place on Wednesday, August 7th, at St. Francis Catholic Church, 1025 S. Union St. Traverse City, MI 49684 starting at 10 am. The funeral Mass for Father Swiat will begin at 11 am. Burial will take place at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, in Kalamazoo, MI on August 9th, at 1:00pm following a brief prayer service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to S.H.A.L.O.M. INC, PO 265 Kalamazoo MI 49004, The Great Lakes Humane Society, 7246 E Harrys Rd, Traverse City 49684, and the Mount St. Joseph Association c/o Rita Lavelle, 1760 Chestnut Lane Hoffman Estates, IL 60192. To watch the service live, please visit www.sfparish.org and click on the Youtube or Facebook icons. For more information, please visit www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.

Father James Richard Swiat

December 5, 1941 - July 21, 2024