Pastor James "Jim" Swanson

Published August 05, 2018 at 6:38 PM

Pastor James "Jim" Swanson 79, of Onamia died Monday, July 23, 2018 at Mille Lacs Long Term Care Center in Onamia. Jim was born in Superior, WI to Carl & Mildred Swanson on October 19, 1938. He graduated Duluth Central High in 1956 and St Olaf College in 1960.

Jim had a life-long fascination for boats and trains. After college he worked on the ore boats on the Great Lakes for 2 years before attending Luther Seminary in St Paul. He was ordained at First Lutheran Church in Duluth in 1966. His first call was to Calvary and St Pauli Lutheran Churches in St Hilaire, MN. Jim married Carolyn Armstrong from Twig, MN on August 5, 1967. They had two daughters, Rebecca & Elizabeth (Dee Dee). Jim's second call was to Trinity Lutheran Church in Cass Lake, where he served for 11 years while his family grew up. During his 50 year career in the ministry, he also served many churches as an Intentional Interim Minister. When his health began to fail, it was very difficult for him to retire from active ministry because he loved to tell the story of Jesus and his love.

Jim is survived by his wife of 50 years, Carolyn, his two daughters Becky (Curt) Stacey and Dee Dee (Brant) Grages and 6 grandchildren: Emily & Megan Stacey, and Luke, Tyler, Lily & Olivia Grages. He is also survived by his sister Carolyn (Wayne) Weidner and a large extended family.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on August 11, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Onamia. Visitation one hour prior to service at the church. Memorials preferred. Arrangements by Shelley Funeral Chapel of Onamia.