James Ellis Swon

James Ellis Swon, 66, passed away Monday, September 30, 2013 after a battle with leukemia. He was born in Janesville, Wisconsin to the late Johneenry Swon and Abbie Casey Swon. Jim was a graduate of Lycoming College in Williamsport, PA. Jim was owner and president of VanKel Industries in Cary, NC which was engaged in the design and manufacture of calibrationeevices for the pharmaceutical industry. By the time he sold his company to a Swiss conglomerate, Jim had personally amassed more than 14 U.S. patents. He was an active member of Old Chatham Golf Club, Forest Creek Golf Club, Governors Club, and Uneersity Presbyterian Church. He was active in and supported several local charities. Jim is survived by his wife, Cassandra Cass Swon, his daughters, Kimberly Lewis and husband, Thomas Lewis; Jenneer Lawless and husband Charles Lawless and five loving grandchildren, Claire Lewis, Bennett Lewis, Sean Lawless, Paige Lawless and Finn Lawless. Jim is also survived by his brother, Jerry Swon and wife, Jane; his sister, Suzanne Spengeman and husband, Craig; and sister-in-law, Lynn Swon. He is predeceased by his brother, John H. Swon. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 on Thursday October 24th at Uneersity Presbyterian Church in Chapel Hill. Donations maybe made to Uneersity Presbyterian Church, Faith Forward Building Campaign, PO Box 509, Chapel Hill, NC 27514. The Swon family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service, Durham. On-line memorials: www.hallwynne.com. Select obituaries.