Jerome "Jerry" R. Swain's Obituary
SWAIN, Jerome “Jerry” R., age 81, of Centerville, passed away on Sunday, May 17, 2026.
Jerry was born to Homer E. Swain and L. Aleathia (née Dennison) Swain on February 19, 1945, in Detroit, Michigan. As a child, Jerry lived in multiple states, including Michigan, Texas, Florida, and Ohio; these experiences helped shape his broad perspective and curiosity about the world. He graduated from Verona High School in Verona, Ohio, where he met his high school sweetheart, Nancy Payne. Jerry was drafted into the United States Army in August 1965 during the Vietnam War era. He and Nancy married in 1965, just prior to Jerry receiving his orders to go to Nellingen, Germany. He served in both Germany and Italy during his tour.
Jerry worked at Frigidaire, MAPI Corp, and NCR Corp. He later attended Capital University, earning his bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems. He retired from NCR in 2010 after more than 31 years of service, where he worked as an Engineering Manager in the Information Technology Division. Jerry was known for his sharp mind, dry wit, and remarkable ability to solve problems. He loved to tinker, think outside the box, and design simple, practical solutions. He was social, talkative, and outgoing, often leaving even strangers laughing after only a brief conversation.
Jerry was well-known for his lifelong passion for Corvettes, especially yellow ones. He was a member of the National Corvette Restorers Society (NCRS) and the Vette Set Society social club. Yellow Corvettes became somewhat of his trademark; from the actual cars he owned down to the toy car for his grandchildren. Through the years, he owned several Corvettes, including two 1967 Stingrays, a 2005, and a 2016 Stingray. He loved traveling across the country with close friends who were also Corvette enthusiasts. They took multiple trips out west to visit national parks, many of which they explored by hiking.
Jerry also had a tremendous love for travel and adventure. Some of his favorite memories included trips to Hawaii with close friends, a Panama Canal cruise, to Paris with his daughter and son-in-law, and a 27-day journey through the UK. His unforgettable trip to Alaska, left him with the thought that “Alaska has a wow effect.” Jerry and Nancy spent nine winter seasons snow-birding in Mesa, Arizona. They cherished the warm weather, the scenery, and the friendships they built there. His family especially enjoyed surprising him with a family trip to Arizona to celebrate his 75th birthday with his children and grandchildren.
Precise and exacting, Jerry was both independent and family-oriented. Jerry loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. He took great pride in the accomplishments of his daughters, sons-in-law, and grandchildren. He enjoyed dining out with friends from the Vette Set group, loved preparing barbecue ribs for special occasions, and was unabashed in his love of Dr Pepper and Mikesell’s Potato Chips. A man of strong Christian faith, Jerry attended Fairhaven Church, where he enjoyed his church family, the meaningful messages, and the wonderful music. In addition, he also valued his involvement with the Silveridge Christian Fellowship during the winters he spent in Arizona. Among many things, Jerry will be remembered for how much he cherished his family, friends, traveling, and Corvettes.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Homer Swain and L. Aleathia Swain. He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Nancy; his two daughters, Shelly (David) Stultz and Pamela (Matthew) Flessner; his four grandchildren, Elizabeth Flessner, Allison Flessner, Grant Stultz, and Corinne Stultz; his sister-in-law, Barb Temple; his two brothers-in-law, Jim (Charlotte) Payne and John (JoAnn) Payne; and many treasured nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
The family will receive friends from 5 -7 pm on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Conner & Koch Funeral Home in Bellbrook. A celebration of life service will immediately follow at 7 pm at the funeral home. Pastor Jett Hone will be officiating. Burial will be at 10 am on Wednesday, June 10, at the Dayton National Cemetery. If desired, contributions may be made to United Cerebral Palsy, American Heart Association, Alzheimer’s Association, or any charity of your choice. Condolences may be sent to the family at https://www.connerandkoch.com.
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