Principal conceptual designer at Kenner

In 1978, Jim Swearingen was sent by Kenner to Skywalker Ranch for an early look at Boba Fett. George Lucas and Kenner's David Okada were there. Swearingen took at least one photo of Boba Fett.

"They brought a guy out in the Boba Fett costume so we could photograph him and get enough stuff to get started on development. ... My boss had wandered off with a producer, and I was left alone to have lunch with George Lucas and his dog." – Jim, in an interview with the University of Cincinatti

Jim also was involved in the early kit-bashed Boba Fett figure, which had a vinyl cape. It was photographed for early promotions and then the design changed.