James Arthur Swanson

IRON MOUNTAIN — James Arthur Swanson, “Swanie,” 92, of Iron Mountain, passed away peacefully Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, at Optalis Health and Rehab in Kingsford.

Jim was born Dec. 4, 1930, in Kingsford, son of the late Mark and Florence (Bouffiou) Swanson. After graduating high school he served in the U.S. Navy from 1949-1951. Jim married his high school sweetheart Janet Stohl on Oct. 13, 1951, and worked for Michigan Bell Telephone Company as a toll testman for 31 years.

A lifelong resident of the area, Jim was very active in his community. In 1993 he joined Habitat for Humanity, building houses for the next eight years and serving two of those years on the board of directors. In May 1997 he started Road to Recovery, driving for ten years, and he spent 20 years installing Life Line in homes. As a blood donor, he donated more than 19 gallons, which was his proudest accomplishment.

Jim was also a church usher for more than 20 years at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. He was an active member of the Holy Name Society for 45 years, an avid bowler for more than 50 years, and after retiring, a golfer for 21 years and a member of Oak Crest Golf Course. He was an avid lifelong Packer Fan. Lastly, Jim was a passionate woodworker, often giving his woodworkings to family members, the church and fundraisers. He was very proud of the many jewelry boxes he donated for charity.

Jim is survived by his wife, Janet; his son, Allan (Carrie) Swanson; three daughters, Paula Wedger, Jean (Dale) Meyer, and Nancy (Doug) Ekvall; a brother, Arthur (Darlene) Swanson; a sister, Lois Rochon; and six grandchildren, Mike Meyer, Ben (Jacquelyn) Swanson, Jacob Swanson (friend Kala), Ashley Wedger and Zachary and Lauren Ekvall; two great-grandchildren, Emily and Lucas Swanson. He is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews.

James is preceded in death by a brother, Richard Swanson; a son-in-law, Steve Wedger; a brother-in-law, Roger Rochon; and a sister-in-law, Vera Swanson.

Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday at the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home in Iron Mountain. Funeral services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Iron Mountain.

Fr. Mark McQuesten will offer the Mass of Christian Burial. Interment will be in Iron Mountain Cemetery Park.

Condolences to the family of James Arthur Swanson may be expressed online at www.ernashfuneralhomes.com.

The family has entrusted the Erickson-Rochon & Nash Funeral Home of Iron Mountain with the arrangements.