SWINK

MOUNT AIRY — James Michael Swink, of Mount Airy, went to Heaven to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2012. Here are some of his older sister Betty’s memories she wants to share of her brother. “At the tender age of 4 upon hearing our mom declare ‘We are out of Pepsi,’ Mike took it upon himself to resolve that dilemma; then he vanished while in the meantime we searched frantically, calling his name up and down the street. Soon he reappeared accompanied by the tinkling of pop bottles in rhythm of his footsteps. The metal crate with four Pepsi therein were only just clearing the ground. In his other hand he carried a loaf of bread. With a big smile he exclaimed, ‘I bought you some Pepsi, mama!’ When asked how he purchased these without money he replied, ‘I got it on credit.’ Mom grabbed her purse and walked up the street to the store. The kindly store owner had taken delight in helping my brother although not expecting payment. This was a glimpse of his desire to help people. My brother was a curious child. We were peppered daily with questions that kept us thumbing the dictionary or encyclopedia. Upon acquiring a new toy he couldn’t resist dismantling it to study its workings. He loved theatre, art, music and participated in his high school band playing the French horn. From very humble beginnings he embarked on his journey of college. With a shoestring lifestyle and part-time occupation he accomplished this goal and became a teacher in several different capacities. It was an occupation he loved above all others. When tragedy shook his life, he was fortified and comforted by scriptural readings from childhood, softly spoken by our mother. He only meditated how much could be taken from a glass half full. The heartiness and sense of family led him to settle in Mount Airy. The sum of his energy can be found in the students he taught as well as those who had experienced the ‘Road Not Taken.’ As he walked among you he delighted in the deep discussions of religion and folklore. Your old-time wisdom and antiseptic truths he held in honorable esteem. Indeed he was the student in a greater sense. In his declining health he watched from his window the wildlife that visited his yard to eat and so and so accumulating to a greater number. These little creatures brought him much enjoyment.” So now we place him in the loving hands of Jesus Christ our Lord. Funeral service will be held on Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, at 2 p.m. at Forest Hill Memorial Park, 1307 Old Highway #64 West, Lexington, NC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The National Wildlife Federation, P.O. Box 1583, Merrifield, VA 22116. Howell Funeral Service of Mount Airy is serving the family. Online condolences may be made at www.howellfuneralservices.com.