James Ward Swindlehurst of Dewitt Township Fire Department and Mercy Ambulance Service died on December 24, 2021, after contracting COVID while working on the ambulance. He was a paramedic for twelve years and a firefighter for five, two of his greatest and proudest accomplishments. He took great pride in his jobs and enjoyed teaching others after becoming an IC.

James had a true passion for emergency medicine, working not only on the ambulance but also at a Level 1 trauma center. He loved helping people and enjoyed learning. He had a strong desire to learn everything about topics that interested him—advanced life support, firefighting, hazmat, water rescue, building things, working on cars, and even brewing his own beer.

He shared his love for fire/EMS with his wife, Kayla. They were married for just two short years and had one son together, named Gatlin, who was born six months after James’s passing.

James was an only child to his parents, Wayne and Maryann. They enjoyed spending their time up north whenever they could, taking the boat out, cooking, and working on various projects. They were best friends with a bond that was unmatched.

James’s smile, quick wit, hard work, and ability to help others are missed every day—by his family, friends, and the community he loved to serve.