ANNA MARIA – Beloved Anna Maria Island Privateer John ‘Big John’ Swager, 58, died on Oct. 6 at Blake Medical Center after a month-long battle with COVID-19 and pneumonia.
Anyone who had the pleasure of knowing Big John knew he loved life, but was particularly passionate about three things: His wife, Cindy ‘Bubbles’ and family, Texas barbecue and serving his community through his extended family, the AMI Privateers. On just about any given weekend, John could be found in full pirate regalia reminding children of all ages that not only are pirates real, but they are here to help others, and this tiny Island is full of them.
One of the longest-serving Privateers, John Swager joined the 501(c)3 non-profit organization in the early 1990s and, over the years, served in almost every capacity, most recently as treasurer. His work, along with that of the other Privateers, raised thousands of dollars over the years for the Privateers scholarship fund, a source of pride for all the Privateers.
“He knew more about the history of the Privateers than any of us,” said Mary “Xena” Lehrman, the current Privateers treasurer. “There are things he remembered that are now lost. We would have an idea to do something we hadn’t done in 15 years and the only person we could turn to who remembered how we did it was John. A lot of our history is gone with his passing.”
Although John was born in Pennsylvania, he always identified as a Texan, having moved there as a child. As he grew up, he developed a love for barbecue and competition cooking, winning awards and traveling across the country in pursuit of his passion. After moving to Anna Maria Island more than three decades ago, John worked as a professional plumber and eventually started his own barbecue business here. If you’ve attended an outdoor event on the Island, you’ve probably tried at least a taste of Big John’s Texas BBQ.
“He was a Privateer to the core – everything he felt, everything he did was for the Privateers,” said Privateer Terry ‘Cookie’ Rapert. “He knew names and events from 30 years ago. He was a walking encyclopedia.”
There will be a memorial service and celebration of John’s life on Monday, Oct. 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. at City Field Park in Holmes Beach. There will be music, food and beverages available, and plenty of friends and neighbors to share their fond memories of this larger-than-life pirate.
