James William McSween, 82 of Crestview, FL, passed away Friday, October 11, 2024. He was
born November 23, 1941 in Washington, D.C. and was a resident of Okaloosa County since
moving in 1966 from Stringer, Mississippi.
James graduated from Glade School in Glade, Mississippi, received his Bachelor of Arts from
the University of Southern Mississippi, and his Masters Degree from Southeastern Louisiana
University.
He taught in Mississippi for 2 years where he was the head football coach at Moss Point Jr High
School and assistant football coach and head basketball coach at Stringer High School in
Mississippi.
He moved to Niceville in 1966 where he was the assistant football and assistant basketball
coach for 2 years and a teacher at Niceville High School.
In 1968 he moved to Crestview and taught at Crestview High School: math, typing and was the
DCT coordinator. As DCT coordinator he helped many students get their first job and provided
scholarships for numerous students over the years. He was employed with the Okaloosa
County School District for a total of 37 years. He was a Bulldog for life and was frequently seen
at the baseball, basketball and football games.
James loved the Lord and shared often about his salvation experience on Easter of 1976. He
most recently attended Lifepoint Church with his family.
He was an avid fisherman and hunter and was a long time member of Ducks Unlimited.
He also trained dogs for 30 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents Leroy and Gladys McSween, his sister, Mary Schwan,
and his beloved wife Judy McSween.
He leaves behind his two sons, Rhett (Cheryl) and Brandon, one brother Mike (Sherry)
McSween, two grandchildren, Cory (Sarah) McSween, Cara (Jacob) Pignaloso, two
great-granddaughters Jayma May and Ella James McSween, and one newborn great-grandson
Cooper Mac Pignaloso, as well as his sister-in-law Vicki (Gene) Winstead along with numerous
nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers his family kindly requests donations be sent to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Celebration of life will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024 beginning at 11:00 a.m. at Lifepoint Church, 400 S. Ferdon
Blvd, Crestview, Florida, with Pastor Mike Lugones officiating. The family will receive friends from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at LIfe Point Church Crestview, Florida.
You can share memories and offer condolences at www.brackneyfuneralservice.com
Brackney Funeral Service, Crestview, is entrusted with arrangements.
Lifepoint Church
Lifepoint Church
Becky Thrush
October 11, 2024, 9:36 pm
Mr. McSween was the coolest teacher i had him for typing and he was my DCT coordinator. I will always remember him ❤️ RIP, Mr. McSween
Stephanie "Rosalez" Sandlin
October 11, 2024, 10:34 pm
I’m soo sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful person and a amazing teacher. I had the pleasure of being his student in 2001-2002 in DCT. And he got me my first job at the subway by the school. RiP Mr. MCSWEEN. you will be greatly missed from all your friends and family.
David Edge
October 11, 2024, 11:45 pm
I was a student of his in 1971 and 1972. He taught me business math and DCT. Talked with him several weeks ago at an appointment and he was so proud of his children and grandchildren. He taught my wife at Niceville before coming to Crestview Bulldog country. He will be missed by a multitude of students and staff. The family is in our prayers.
Danny and Debbie Bowden
October 12, 2024, 12:05 am
What a wonderful man! I am sure he heard God say, “Well done thou good and faithful servant.” He has blessed many over his years teaching. RIP sir. We will see you again♥️
Tony Larkins .
October 12, 2024, 12:15 am
Mr MCSween was my Dct teacher. One guud man may he rip !!
Tommy Mccurley
October 12, 2024, 12:17 am
Sorry to hear about this. Great person and a great teacher . You will be missed my friend .
Class of 1993
Christina (Josey) Mathis
October 12, 2024, 12:25 am
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for family for comfort and peace.
Kathi Ridge
October 12, 2024, 12:49 am
I am so sorry to see this. Mr. McSween was so well respected and a beloved member of our community. Condolences to your families.
Mary Wilhelm White
October 12, 2024, 12:54 am
My deepest condolences to the family. James McSween was quite an amazing man. He was a great teacher & an awesome dog trainer. He train my first lab! He was just on my mind the other day as I was thinking about teacher’s who made the greatest impact on my life! Rest in peace Mr. McSween. You will be sincerely missed.
Mary Wilhelm White
Charles Perry
October 12, 2024, 1:06 am
Rhett and Family,
Sorry to hear of Jim’s passing. Although I did not share his love of hunting and fishing, he was my ‘go to guy” on all things concerning dogs of which he was an expert. He was a good man, a good neighbor and will be missed.
Charles Perry
Jace Hilton
October 12, 2024, 1:11 am
Not only was he a great teacher but he was the 2nd employer I had at the age of 17. He was such a great man and a great friend who loved the Lord, his family, hunting and fishing. We had one hunting trip story that we talked about every time we saw each other in town.
He will be missed.
Rhonda Despaux
October 12, 2024, 1:40 am
I will always remember him! He was one of my favorite teachers! He was the most adventurous and humble teachers. He actually talked to us in a way that made our classes interesting. Rest in peace Mr.Mcswain and thank you !
Mylon McCallum
October 12, 2024, 2:10 am
What a great Man of God. He was my DCT teacher back in high school. Rhett and Brandon my condolences to you both. God Bless
Rhonda Williams
October 12, 2024, 2:43 am
Mr. McSween was a terrific teacher and amazing person. He was filled with positivity and hope, which he passed along to his students. He was so encouraging to me when I was in high school, and the skills I learned in his classes have been useful for my entire working life. He had so much love for his job and the students, and it made such a difference to have teachers like him who truly did care – who would help you get back on track if you weren’t doing well, and cheer for you when you tried your best. Mr. McSween was one of those rare treasures.
A life well lived, in service of others. May God rest his soul, and give comfort to all the family.
“Go rest high on that mountain
Son your work on Earth is done
Go to heaven a-shoutin’
Love for the Father & the Son”
With Deepest Condolences,
Rhonda (Roby) Williams and family
Walt Sanders
October 12, 2024, 3:23 am
Mr. McSween was my math teacher one year. He also set me up for my very first job. So sorry to hear of his passing. RIP Mr. McSween. You’ll be missed.
Mary Littreal
October 12, 2024, 3:32 am
He always made me smile when at baseball games and the concession stand visits! CHS baseball will not be the same! He was there rain or shine, freezing cold or burning summers! My deepest condolences to the McSween family!
Tamara Bess
October 12, 2024, 4:01 am
Mr. McSween was one of the nicest teachers I’ve ever had. Being honest, growing up in the 90s and early 80s everyone wasn’t treated the same but Mr. McSween was one I can say never treated any of his students any different. I know he is in God’s hands and will rest in sweet peace forever.
Tena Corbin
October 12, 2024, 5:05 am
I was truly heart broken to hear this news tonight. I have no doubt he is with the Lord but he will be dearly missed! He was one of my favorite teachers and I had him for DCT my junior and senior year plus a math class my senior year as well. So many fond memories of my time in his classes that always make me smile. I’ve seen him often over the years and most recently at Desi’s eating lunch and we talked for a while. He was such a sweet man and one of a kind. He will always be remembered with love and respect! My deepest sympathy to the McSween family.
Devon Hennessy
October 12, 2024, 12:30 pm
Mr. McSween was a blessing to so many of his students, he was absolutely hands down one of my favorite teachers. I had him for DCT and learned to many life lessons that I still use to this day as an adult. He was so kind and caring and would help you in any way possible, and was a well respected man. He leaves behind a true legacy. My condolences to his family, may you find peace during this time of sadness.
CHS- Class of 2002
Tara McLeod
October 12, 2024, 1:40 pm
Mr. McSween was my teacher at Crestview High in 2002. He was such a kind person. I remember him always having a smile on his face in the hallways.
Allison Morris
October 12, 2024, 2:22 pm
Mr Mcsween was the sweetest teacher and definitely one of my favorites! He sold my sister her first car so his reputation preceded him by the time I had him cause she was much older than me. When I got him as a teacher he put me to work and myself and another student would go in his office and call local businesses for scholarships. It was what I always could do and now I have a nonprofit I still use the skills he taught us and he taught us to not be afraid of anything! Rest in paradise you did well God is pleased! CHS Class of 2002
Ashley Turner
October 12, 2024, 5:27 pm
Mr. McSween was the best typing teacher! I loved how he would get us ready for a timed drill and then decide to tell us a 5 minute story about his dogs or a life lesson. Condolences out to his family.
Mat Patterson
October 12, 2024, 7:39 pm
I remember him well. Never had him for a class but my in guy fractions with him were always positive. Have known Brandon since 5th grade. RIP sir. You made a difference.
Theresa Menhennett
October 12, 2024, 8:28 pm
He was one of my favorite teachers. When he found out I loved to hunt and fish…he thought that was the best news ever!! He always had a story waiting to tell me as soon as I got to his class. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I’m so sorry for your loss. He will be deeply missed.. he was a good man!!
Wendy Love Cornett
October 12, 2024, 11:37 pm
I loved and appreciated Mr. McSween and his care for all of the students at CHS. His memory stays with me because he once corrected my attitude about something in the school hallway. His words stuck with me in a powerful way and still do. He helped the students and cared enough to challenge them to grow–not just academically. Thankful to have known him. Prayers for the family with much love.
Wendy Brooks
October 13, 2024, 1:47 am
Mr.McSween was a great man! I had him for typing at CHS and he always had some great stories to tell! My condolences to his family! He will truly be missed!!
Voncil J Cobb
October 13, 2024, 11:34 am
He was truly a blessing, he loved going to the football and basketball games. I’m going to miss him he was a man whenever you saw him he greeted you with a smile and a handshake. Condolences to the family. RIP “Mr. McSween”. Praying for the family
Tracy Johnson
October 13, 2024, 11:42 am
My deepest condolences to the McSween Family. Mr. McSween was an awesome Business Math teacher and very kind spirited! Though he looked very serious he was always very kind a friendly. RIP Mr. McSween and many prayers for you family during this time. 🙏🏾💙
Margaret Mccrary
October 13, 2024, 11:59 pm
Jimmy and Judy were the best neighbors and friends you could have. Both of them are going to be truly missed.
Margaret Hinson Mccrary
MELINDA K HARVELL
October 14, 2024, 7:02 pm
Mr. McSween was my DCT teacher also in 1992. He got me my first interview at Food World. I just saw him in Walmart and he was telling me how to catch a skittish dog! Such a good man. Loved seeing him at Church with his different color polos on each week. He was a great teacher! He will be so missed!
Cheryl Carroll Harrison
October 14, 2024, 7:56 pm
I’m soo sorry for your loss. He was my DCT teacher, he always seemed to care about all of his students.
So him, I think it was last year at DESI Restaurant and got to talk to him for a few minutes while waiting in line to get our food.
Nova Shaffer
October 15, 2024, 9:20 am
To the only Teacher who could keep me straight I will indeed miss you