James L. Swanson

He wrote some amazing wonderful books on Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr and many others. I first read his book Chasing Lincoln's Killer in Middle school in 2018 and I became so fascinated with his works after that and was sad and shocked to discover that he passed away earlier this year on April 21th. He had such wonderful knowledge and stories to share and he will be missed very much rip wonderful historian and author.

He wrote some amazing wonderful books on Abraham Lincoln, John F. Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr and many others. I first read his book Chasing Lincoln's Killer in Middle school in 2018 and I became so fascinated with his works after that and was sad and shocked to discover that he passed away earlier this year on April 21th. He had such wonderful knowledge and stories to share and he will be missed very much rip wonderful historian and author.

I think of my dear friend James often, I still haven´t gotten over not having our conversations, perhaps on the other side we will continue our friendship and conversations. To the friends and family of James our prayers and thoughts are with you as we all reminisce and think of James and such loving memories. From Griffin to each of you.

My wife Sandi and I send our Prayers for the Peace that Passeth Understanding on the occasion of the passing of James Swanson.
Regrettably, I learned late -- just today -- of his passing several months ago. I came to know James as fellow Lincoln aficionados and native Illinoisians here in Wilmington, DE, when I hosted him -- as a Delawarean now for 50 years -- twice as the keynoter for our Lincoln Club of Delaware, one of America's preeminent Lincoln Clubs, the first time after the great reception of his book Manhunt. I grew up in rural downstate Illinois where Mr. Lincoln "rode the circuit," and James and I were able to sit around the table in my own Lincoln Room -- just a block from Joe Biden's home, albeit before Mr. Biden became President -- and just share thoughts about the greatness of the man, Mr. Lincoln. My condolences to his family.

James was a dear friend since we both went to work for Judge Douglas Ginsburg when he was appointed by President Reagan to the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals. I will always cherish many happy memories of good times together. Carol Cohen

Certainly would great sorrow my dear friend and colleague James Swanson. Prayers are with your family.

My friendship with James stretched back over four decades. I was deeply touched when Jeannette and he helped me celebrate my birthday in 2024, a seen in the nearby photograph of them with my family, friends, and me. The stack of books in front of James were some of his historical best-sellers, which he inscribed as gifts for my guests. Kathy and I extend our deepest sympathies to Jeannette; to James's sister, Denise, and his two nieces; and to all of James's family and broad community of friends.

/s/ Joseph A. Morris

James, I will never forget when I first met up with you when you were a practicing attorney on Chicago's Near North Side. Additionally, I remember when we were attendees at Tom Roeser's Saturday morning gatherings. I enjoyed our being friends. Gone too soon. RIP. Robert Gordon

Mr. Swanson's books introduced the story of Lincoln's assassination to a whole new generation of readers. As a member of the Lincoln assassination history community, I'm grateful to him for his scholarship in our field. May his memory be a blessing.

James - as a Lincoln collector you provided me with countless hours of entertainment and knowledge. Your books are some of my favorites. Will truly miss you.

Dan Madsen

RIP James

Thank you for your contributions toward our understanding of Abraham Lincoln.

We shall meet, but we shall miss him,
There will be one vacant chair;
We shall linger to caress him,
When we breathe our ev'ning pray'r.