2024 House Resolution 305

Whereas, It was with great sorrow that the members of the House of Representatives learned about the passing of Joseph P. Swallow. He will be remembered as a dedicated public servant by his constituents in the counties of Alcona, Alpena, Cheboygan, Montmorency, Oscoda, and Presque Isle, and the people of the State of Michigan; and

Whereas, Joseph Swallow was proud of being part of the fourth generation of his family to be born and raised in Northeast Michigan, arriving into the world in his parent’s Alpena apartment above his family’s hardware store - the very same hardware store he would spend his youth working in alongside his family; and

Whereas, Joseph Swallow earned a degree in accounting from Central Michigan College, now known as Central Michigan University, in 1955, where he was an active member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and a part of Central’s first graduating Army ROTC class. His pride for his alma mater did not end upon his graduation, and he served for several years on Central’s Alumni Development Board, and he could often be spotted at homecomings and other football games. Central’s ROTC program named Joseph Swallow to their Hall of Fame in recognition of his outstanding career; and

Whereas, Joseph Swallow’s lifelong dedication to public service began after his college graduation when he proudly served his country during the Korean War. Working through the ranks from a Second Lieutenant to the rank of Captain, Joseph Swallow earned many medals and accolades during his time in the service, and he remained a Reserve Officer until he was honorably discharged in 1965; and

Whereas, After leaving the service, Joseph Swallow found himself in Detroit working as an accountant for J.L. Hudson Co. It was during his time in Detroit that Joseph Swallow discovered a passion for the law while he attended the Detroit College of Law at night. Upon his graduation in 1961, his public service continued when he returned home to Alpena and served as the Alpena County Prosecuting Attorney from 1963 to 1964; and

Whereas, Joseph Swallow was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1965, where he would serve his constituents with distinction for four consecutive terms. Joseph Swallow quickly made a name for himself in the state capitol where he always worked in the best interests of his constituents, which included securing funding for local projects and fighting to halt legislation he viewed as endangering small, rural communities. However, it was Joseph Swallow’s ability to work and maintain relationships with colleagues across the aisle that he is most remembered for; and

Whereas, In 1972, Joseph Swallow was elected to the position of Circuit Court Judge for Michigan’s 26th Circuit Court, where he served for 32 years, making him the longest tenured judge in the Circuit’s history. While on the bench, Joseph Swallow continued looking for ways in which he could serve his community, which resulted in him assisting in the creation of a Joint Judicial Commission, helping create the Public Defender’s Office, and being an instrumental part of the creation of the Sunrise Center for substance abuse treatment. His dedication and hard work earned him a selection as one of Michigan’s Most Respected Judges by Michigan Lawyer’s Weekly. Joseph Swallow retired from the bench in 2004; and

Whereas, Joseph Swallow’s commitment to his community did not end in his professional capacity. Throughout his life, he dedicated his time to a number of nonprofits, including helping to create Luther Community Manor, which assists with affordable senior living in Alpena, and championing causes that helped Northeast Michigan and that aimed to preserve and improve the region’s natural environment. During retirement, Joseph Swallow also enjoyed his favorite pastimes, spending time boating, hiking, biking, and skiing. He also continued his love of reading to satisfy his seemingly insatiable thirst for knowledge; and

Whereas, Joseph Swallow is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Jane, along with one daughter, three sons, six grandchildren, and many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and

Whereas, Upon Joseph Swallow’s passing, we offer our condolences to his loved ones. Joseph Swallow’s contributions to this chamber and the State of Michigan will be remembered; now, therefore, be it

Resolved by the House of Representatives, That we offer this expression of our highest tribute to honor the memory of Joseph Swallow, a member of the House of Representatives from 1965 to 1972; and be it further

Resolved, That copies of this resolution be transmitted to the Swallow family as evidence of our lasting esteem for his memory.