James "Jim" Swenson

James "Jimmy" Allen Swenson was born on May 20, 1958 in Madison, South Dakota to James and Verla (Bunkers) Swenson. His first years were spent with his parents in St. Paul, Minnesota while his dad finished Veterinary school. 

The family then moved to Jasper where Jim attended grade school and graduated from Jasper High School in 1976. He then attended Mankato State University in Mankato, Minnesota for one year.

As a child he was always keeping himself busy. He used to mow a number of lawns during the summer and shoveled snow in the winter to earn money.

In high school he worked for farmers Jim Larson and Floyd Swier. He also spent many hours baling hay for other area farmers. 

Throughout his life he had different jobs but each one involved construction or dealt with animals and farming. He started building houses in Sioux Falls, South Dakota with Larry Witkup Construction, learning everything from putting in the foundation to finishing the inside of the house. He also rented and farmed his maternal grandparents' farm near Chester, South Dakota for two years. 

When his health got to the point where he no longer could do the heavy construction and concrete work he worked as a Veterinary Assistant with his dad. In these later years he also worked for a couple farmers, notably Cal and Kate Hemme.

Throughout his lifetime Jim dealt with depression, anxiety and bi-polarism. He also battled alcoholism, something he was able to put behind him last year.

Jim is survived by three children, Emily (partner, Scott Laird) Casuse of Swink, Colorado, James Anthony "Tony" (Brittney) Swenson of Baxter, Minnesota, and Cole Swenson of Colorado; five grandchildren, Gunnar, Griffith, Alanah, Trista, Hailey; two siblings, Steve (Kristine) Swenson of Jasper, Minnesota, and Dawn (partner, Hong Jun) of Albuquerque, New Mexico; niece and nephews, Johannah and Jonah Alexander, Josiah Jun, and Austin and Zachary Swenson.

He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Laura Swenson.

Blessed be his memory!