GREENSBORO, N.C. – UNC Greensboro (UNCG) Hall of Fame head coach Jim Swiggett died earlier this week.
 
Swiggett is commonly referred to as one of the pioneers of men's athletics at UNCG along with Frank Pleasants, succeeding Pleasants as the Men's Intercollegiate Division's Coordinator. Swiggett was UNCG's first men's basketball coach, leading the team from 1968-75.  
 
A 1967 master's graduate of UNCG, he also started the University's men's golf program, coaching the team from 1967-79, and served one season as interim women's basketball coach (1979-80). Swiggett served on UNCG's staff from 1967-80 in the athletic staff and as a physical education instructor.
 
"We are saddened by the passing of UNCG Hall of Famer and ardent supporter Jim Swiggett," UNCG director of athletics Kim Record said. "He was a pioneer during his time at UNCG and his tireless dedication and commitment to our entire athletics program were appreciated. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family." 
 
Swiggett was born on September 10, 1930, in Randolph County. He attended all the Trinity Schools where he excelled in all the sports. He was a part of their baseball team where they were the state champions in 1947. His pitching record was 12-0 and he pitched in the NC–SC all-star baseball game in 1948.
 
He pitched for the Hi-Toms and McCrary Eagles in 1953, the RC Owls in Forrest City, NC in 1954, the Washington Senators Minor League and the Fulton KY Lookouts in 1955, and the Deep River League in 1958. He graduated from High Point University in 1952 where he played Basketball.
 
Swiggett taught at Seagrove High School from 1952–1954 and coached football, baseball, men's and women's basketball and in the winter, kept the fire going to heat the gym. He later taught at Allen Jay High School from 1955–1966 where he also coached baseball and men's and women's basketball. He was with the men's basketball champions in Guilford County in 1956 and played in the state championship in 1958.
 
He taught at UNCG from 1966 - 1989. While he was there, Jim asked to help and started the men's basketball program in 1967. He taught athletics, golf, backpacking, camping, and skiing.

After retirement, he enjoyed antique trading and collecting, pottery collecting, tennis, woodworking, and reading. He attended the Cedar Square Friends Meeting for many years where he was the superintendent and a Sunday School teacher. Throughout the years, Jim rescued numerous animals and moved to Asheboro in the early 2000's.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul Kirkman Swiggett and Ruby Shaver Swiggett.

Jim is survived by his daughter, Ann S. Turner (James) of Randleman; son, Timothy J. Swiggett of Randleman; sister, Shirley S. Clodfelter of Archdale; brother, Larry P. Swiggett (Mary) of Thomasville; several nieces and nephews; grandchildren, Craig Turner (Deeon) of Sophia, Melissa T. Johnson (Mark Kirstner) of Greensboro, Joseph T. Swiggett of Greensboro; great grandchildren, Dr. Benjamin M. Johnson DDS (Savannah) of Sophia, Matthew C. Turner of Sophia, Samuel K. Johnson of Greensboro, Jacob L. Turner of Sophia, Henry T. Johnson of Greensboro; great-great grandchildren, Maggie Rose Johnson, Lincoln M. Johnson, and Teddy Ann Johnson.

Mr. Swiggett will lie in state from 11:00 until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, January 9, 2021, at Ridge Funeral Home.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff of North Pointe Assisted Living for all the love and care for their father for the last two years.

Memorials may be made to UNCG Spartan Club, P.O. Box 26168, Greensboro, NC, 27402 - 6168, Cedar Square Friends Meeting, 7546 Harlow Road, 27263 - 9438, or to the charity of the donors choice.