Jay Lamar Swallen

Jay Lamar Swallen, 98, passed away on Sept 9th 2023 after a short illness. He had most recently resided at the Windsor Medical Center in North Canton where the wonderful care he received there is greatly appreciated by his family.

Jay was born in Louisville, Ohio on June 19th 1925 to Harvey and Caroline (Cholley) Swallen. Raised on their farm on Swallen Ave, Jay, along with his brothers Donald and Robert, all part of the greatest generation, learned the values of thrift and self-reliance stemming from the depression years. Jay graduated from Louisville High School in 1943. Of the eight awards given to the boys graduating that year Jay garnered seven of them.

Jay served in World War II as a tail gunner in a B29 in the Pacific Theater. He participated in a war that only his generation can comprehend.

After the service he attended Fenn College (now Cleveland State University) graduating in 1949 with a degree in accounting. That same year he married Barbara Humphrey of Geneva, Ohio who he met on a blind date. Jay was so smitten he waited all day at the Cleveland bus station for her to return after visiting her parents. A surprised Barb asked, “How did you know my bus”, he replied, “I didn’t, I’ve met every bus today!!” They were together ever after for 73 years until Barb’s death in 2021.

They moved to Canton, Ohio as happy newlyweds and Jay began his accounting career. In 1953 he started his own accounting practice which later grew to Swallen, Lawhun, Hubbard & Abraham with offices in four NE Ohio cities. Jay focused his efforts in the Massillon office where he became a staunch supporter of all things Massillon. He served as a Director at Doctor’s Hospital, Peoples Merchants Trust and the Massillon Auto Club among others.

Jay was a proud member of the Masons, rising to a 32nd Degree Mason at the Wm. McKinley Lodge # 431.

He was loyal member of Calvery Presbyterian Church in Canton Ohio for over 60 years. Upon his retirement to Naples Florida, Jay joined First Presbyterian Church where he was able to continue his love of God and dedication to the church.

Jay absolutely loved to play golf; and he truly shot his age over 175 times. An accomplishment he was very proud of and would happily share with you. He was a member of Brookside C.C. for 48 years which also was the center of he and Barb’s very active social life. The “Silver Fox” will forever be remembered on the dance floor at BCC. Jay continued his love of golf and socializing in Florida at Quail Creek and then Royal Poinciana C.C. in Naples.

He was preceded in death by his beautiful bride Barabara, his older brothers Donald and Robert Swallen and his beloved daughter Lynne who was killed in an automobile accident at 16. He is survived by his son Scott Swallen of Canton Ohio and daughter Julie Hubble and her husband David of Cincinnati Ohio. He was so proud of his six grandchildren, Drew Swallen (Kimberly), Hillary Schmid (Alex), Claire Harned (Hank), Kelsey Grove (Joe), Holly Meyers (Richard) and Jay Hubble. They will forever miss their “Poppy”. He always looked forward to spending time with his cousins, nieces, nephews and later in life his 4 great grandsons.

We hope this loving tribute brings to mind a personal memory of Jay. A loving memory is the best way to be survived by. Please share your favorite memory of Jay at the Paquelet Funeral Home at www.Paquelet.com The family will be having a private graveside service at Northlawn Cemetery on Saturday October 21, 2023. After the service there will be a CELEBRATION of LIFE at Brookside Country Club from 1:00 – 4:00 and friends are invited to stop by and share your favorite story about Jay. In lieu of flowers his family is asking that you make a donation in his name to the Honor Flight Organization at www.honorflight.org/donations/ or by mail at Honor Flight Box L -4016 Columbus OH 43260.