A mentor and a friend; the Deacon Director throughout my formation; Rest in Peace

Jim Swiler

June 21, 1939 - June 26, 2015

Deacon Jim Swiler, peacefully passed away on June 26, 2015 at the age of 76 surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 21, 1939 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Prior to his death, Deacon Jim resided in Thibodaux, Louisiana. Jim had a passion for radio broadcasting which led to a career spanning over twenty years. Deacon Jim served as the Chancellor for the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux for the past 7 years. Deacon Jim was the first Deacon Director for the Office of the Permanent Diaconate for the Archdiocese of New Orleans, Louisiana, a position he held for over 35 years. He was the first Deacon to serve as President of the National Association of Deacon Directors and the first to serve as the Regional Representative for the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions. He was awarded the Monsignor William Philpin Award named in honor of the first National Director of the Permanent Diaconate for his work as an exemplary director. He was the first Deacon to receive this award. He was also the first Deacon to receive the Bart O’Leary award for vision and leadership in the restoration of the Permanent Diaconate and also received the Director’s Award. Deacon Jim served as a Consultant to the United States Catholic Conference and as an Advisor to the Permanent Diaconate in the Dioceses of Baton Rouge and Houma-Thibodaux. Deacon Jim taught Homiletics at Notre Dame Seminary in New Orleans and was also Archdiocesan Master of Ceremonies. In 1999, Deacon Jim was awarded the Pro Ecclesia Et Pontifice Award and medal by his Holiness Father Pope John Paul II for his outstanding service to the church. The family will have visitation at St. Joseph’s Co-Cathedral located at 721 Canal Blvd., Thibodaux, LA 70301 on Friday, July 3rd at 9:00 a.m. and a funeral mass celebrating the life of Deacon Jim Swiler at 12:00 p.m. A reception will follow in the Life Center following the mass. Deacon Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Bonnie Falterman Swiler and children Kelley Schellstede, Melissa Brown, Matthew Swiler and Kathryn Burke and his seven beautiful grandchildren, Sven Schellstede, Ryan Brown, Austin Brown, Lauren Schellstede, Mackenzie Brown, Maddie Burke and Liam Burke. He is survived by his brother, William Swiler. He is also survived by his three Sons-in-Law, Hans Schellstede, Keith Brown and Solomon Burke. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents James Wagner and Mary Gladys Swiler. In lieu of flowers, donations to your favorite charity in his memory would be greatly appreciated. Our family would like to express our sincerest gratitude to the entire medical team at Thibodaux Regional Hospital and everyone in the Archdiocese of New Orleans, the Diocese of Baton Rouge and the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux. Deacon Jim touched countless lives and will be sorely missed. He will continue to love and serve the Lord. Whatever you do, work at it with your whole being. Do it for the Lord. Col.3:23


>>Well done good and faithful servant