James "Jim" Ellsworth Swanson was born on January 10, 1941, to Elsie (Brumm) and Arthur Swanson Sr. in Jackson, Minnesota. He was baptized, and later confirmed at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Lakefield. Jim attended Hunter Township Country School through 6th grade, and then attended Lakefield High School where he graduated in the Class of 1959. He later took a correspondence course through the DeVry Technical Institute where he received his certification for electronic and television repair.

On January 1, 1961, Jim was united in marriage to Marlys Hipple at the First Methodist Church in Estherville, Iowa. Jim and Marlys moved to rural Jackson in 1961, and in 1969, they moved to the family farm in Lakefield. The marriage was blessed with 5 children, Darcy, Gail, Nicole, Jeffrey, and Lisa.

For most of his life, Jim was a crop and livestock farmer. His farm work did not stop him from doing what he truly loved: working on televisions and electronics. He was very passionate and fascinated with mechanical repair, wind and solar energy, model airplanes, as well as drones. He was a man ahead of his time. The last 14 years, Jim enjoyed wintering in Florida.

James "Jim" Swanson age 83, of Lakefield, Minnesota passed away on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at the Sunset Hospice Cottage in Worthington.

Jim is survived by his wife of 63 years, Marlys Swanson; children: Darcy (Mark) Murphy of Round Lake, Gail (Mike) Prochaska of Lakefield, Nicole Swanson of Spirit Lake, IA; daughter-in-law: Tracy Swanson of Holden, MO; 9 grandchildren: Trent, Lauren, Chelsey, Tessa, Skylar, Max, Jaden, Zach, and Christin; 7 great grandchildren: Camber, Gaige, Raycelyn, Noah, Ryder, Crew, Rex; siblings: Alice (Little), Arthur Jr (Millie), Alvin (Rosie), Jeannette (Dick), and Edna (Curt).

Jim is preceded in death by his son: Jeffrey James Swanson; daughter: Lisa Lynne Swanson; parents: Arthur Sr and Elsie Swanson; sisters: Ida (Arnold), Inez (Melvin); parents-in-law: Wesley (Bumble) and Vera Hipple.

Blessed be the memory of James Ellsworth Swanson

To honor Jim's request, no services will be held. All memorial gifts intended for the family may be directed to the Celebration of Life Center's address: 1000 Prospect Ln. Jackson, MN 56143

"Thank you to all that contributed memories to Jim's Tribute Wall. The last four months when we was not well, made me forget for awhile all the good times and memories we have had over the last, almost, 64 years. Thank you to those of you that contributed, and those of you who sent trees too. All monetary contributions will be given to Sunset Hospice Cottage in Worthington, Minnesota" - Marlys and the Swanson Family.