DEXTER, Mich. -- Jim Swan, a veteran sales representative in the rug industry, died on Jan. 26, 2017. He was 71.
Swan was an active member of the International Home Furnishings Representatives Association (IHFRA), and had represented various rug companies throughout his career, including Momeni. "We were deeply saddened by the news and our hearts go out to his wife Cathy and his family," said Reza Momeni, noting that Swan had represented Momeni for 10 years in Michigan and Ohio. "Jim was truly a great man, and a pleasure to work with. He had so many good qualities, and his customers, in addition to all of us at Momeni, were very fond of him."
Reginald James Walter Swan was born on April 23, 1945, in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. He is survived by his wife, Catherine Shelagh (Carnegie) Swan; his children, James Jacob (Tiffini) Swan, Liza Jane (Steve) Duncan, Cole William Swan, Robert Tucker Swan; brother, William (Anne) Swan; grandchildren, Hunter James Swan, Henley Carnegie Duncan, Holden Lee Swan, Raegen Owens Duncan. Jim was preceded in death by his parents, John Henry and Hilda Margaret (Cole) Swan.
Another longtime industry friend, Austin Craley, said he had kept in touch with Swan over the years. "Jim was a class act, always the gentleman, and will be deeply missed. My sympathies to Cathy and his family, which he was so fiercely proud of," Craley said.
Jim was fondly known as Papa J, and he loved spending time with his grandchildren. In earlier years, he was a ski instructor. Jim was a member of the Dexter United Methodist Church, which he and Catherine attended for many years.
Visitation was held at Borek Jennings Funeral Home on Jan. 31; a Community Farewell was held on Feb. 1 at Dexter United Methodist Church.
Messages of comfort for Jim's family may be left at 1-877-231-7900, or at the online tribute wall guestbook at
Borek Jennings.