James T. Pilliod

James T. Pilliod, 86, of Swanton passed away peacefully Tuesday, Dec. 22, 2009, at Swanton Health Care and Retirement Center. He was born March 22, 1923, in Toledo to Leo and Frances (Durbin) Pilliod. On May 1, 1943, he married Betty Towns, and she preceded him in death on April 16, 2001.

Jim graduated from Swanton High School, and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Upon returning from the war, he worked at the LaFrance Movie Theatre in Swanton, which his mother owned and operated. He retired in 1983 as a truck driver for General Highway Express. He was a life member of Swanton American Legion Post #479 and a member of its Burial Honor Guard. He was also a member of St. Richard Catholic Parish. He was an avid gardener of vegetables and roses, and loved his dogs. Jim also enjoyed taking his grandchildren fishing.

He is survived by his children, Cindy (Jon) Haskell of Westfield, Ind., Frannell (Norman) Pancoast, Jeff (Pat) Pilliod and Dianne (Patrick) Westhoven, all of Swanton; a sister, Harriett Slagowski of Denver, Colo.; 11 grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was also preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Suzanne Pfaff; and brothers John, Leo Jean and Richard Pilliod.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Dec. 26, 2009, at Weigel Funeral Home in Swanton, with Deacon Joseph Repka officiating. Interment followed at Swanton Cemetery with military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Disabled American Veterans Association.

Online expressions of sympathy may be made at www.weigelfuneralhomes.com