Sorry to report, but Jim Swift died today at home in
St. Louis. For those of us privileged to know him
personally, this is a great loss of a wonderful,
knowledgeable, and cheerful man. Jim was the writer of
the Old Boat Column in the Waterways Journal up until
his death. That was his labor of love. For money, he
was the advertising manager for the WJ until his
retirement a decade or so ago. He published his first
book, an autobiography, Backing Hard into River
History, about 2 years ago. Jim was the guiding light
for the Golden Eagle Museum in STL. and was an active
member of S&D and the Midwest Riverboat Buffs, whose
meeting he just attended in Keokuk 10 days ago. I have
not yet heard any arrangements, but I do know that near
and dear to his heart is a no-kill animal shelter, Open
Door. Memorials for his wife were directed there as I'm
sure they will be for him. I will post that address
later - I just got their newsletter this afternoon. Jim
backed hard into river history and preserved it so well
for us. ...........................
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