James L. Swanson

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Yale University

James Swanson Obituary

SWANSON James L. Swanson, age 70, died on Tuesday afternoon, April 8, 2008 at his home, in the company of his family, after a long illness. A native of Orono, Minnesota, he graduated from Yale University in 1959. Mr. Swanson was an executive with the Peavey Company and ConAgra, serving at various times as Vice President of Operations, Head of Engineering and General Manager of a grain export joint venture between ConAgra and the Feruzzi family. While with Peavey, for the United States Agency for International Development, Mr. Swanson developed a process for fortifying tea leaves with Vitamin A for use in Vitamin A-deficient countries. Later in his career, he served in a variety of capacities in industry organizations, including an appointment by the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture to serve on the Federal Grain Inspection Service Advisory Board, to which he was elected Chairman. Mr. Swanson is survived by his wife Susan, his children Jim Swanson and Lynn Swanson-Barras, his daughter-in-law Marianne Swanson and his son-in-law Joe Barras, his three grandchildren Jimmy, Chris and Kelly Swanson, his brother Richard Swanson, and his sister Virginia Bridge. He left a legacy of unselfish love and will be greatly missed by all. Friends and relatives are invited to join the family for a memorial service at Love Lutheran Church, 3730 MacArthur Boulevard on the Westbank, on Friday, April 11 at 1:30 p.m. A reception will follow, location to be announced at the service. In lieu of flowers, donations in Mr. Swanson's honor may be made to either the American Cancer Society, to be allocated specifically to Kelly Swanson of the Hulks Team of the New Orleans Youth Relay for Life program, 2605 River Road, New Orleans, LA 70121, or the Lafayette Academy Charter School, c/o Choice Foundation, 2727 So. Carrollton, New Orleans, LA 70118. MOTHE FUNERAL HOME in charge of arrangements: 366-4343.

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Published by The Times-Picayune from Apr. 10 to Apr. 11, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for James Swanson

10 Entries

Suzanne Johnson

April 17, 2008

To the James Swanson family:
I am sorry for your loss. I was a classmate of Jim's from grade school through high school. He belonged to my church as well. I always admired his intelligence and kindness. Jim left quite an contibution to our planet, and I am not surprised.
God bless! Suzanne Wasgatt Johnson, Orono 1955

Visiting Angels

April 14, 2008

Here at Visiting Angels, we are so sorry to hear of your loss. The thoughts of many are with you at this time of sorrow.

Sincerely,
Visiting Angels Staff

Roberta Mellen

April 11, 2008

Jim was a mentor to me back in Peavey/early ConAgra days. He gave me a wonderful foundation from which to build my career. His brilliance certainly challenged me at times but I always enjoyed my time with him!

My sympathy goes out to Sue and the rest of the family.

Roberta Mellen

Gwynne Moser

April 11, 2008

There is something very special about a man who makes everyone around him want to be better people. Jim Swanson lived his life in a way that set the bar high for those around him. We will miss him terribly.

Ronald Perilloux

April 11, 2008

May God bless your family. Mr. Swanson gave me my start in the grain industry and for that i am forever grateful. He will be greatly missed

Vickie Anders

April 10, 2008

I was a security guard in 1988 at Peavey when Mr. Swanson was there. I was sorry to hear of his passing. I will keep your family in my prayers. Take care and God bless.

Althea Kingsmill

April 10, 2008

Jim and Marianne,Our thoughts and prayers are with you from Mobile. Love,Althea and Pat Kingsmill

Roy Cheatwood

April 10, 2008

Our prayers are with you during these times.

Pastor Scott Landrum

April 10, 2008

Peace and grace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. A true Gentleman comes to mind when I remember of Jim. Quiet and reserved but friendly, I was glad to see him sitting in the congregation on Sunday morning. The oxygen was a sign that something was wrong but Jim never complained to me. I always enjoyed shaking his hand as he left church. I'm sorry that I was unable to be with Jim during his last days, war seems to have a way of interrupting things. Regardless, we serve a God who has promised to never leave us or forsake us. Jim knows that better than anybody now.

Elizabeth Goodyear

April 10, 2008

Mrs. Swanson, Jim, Marianne and Lynn,

When I reflect on Mr. Swanson the thoughts that come to mind are kind, understated, incredibly interesting, a true gentleman in every sense of the word and totally devoted to his family.

Whether creating a beautiful rug for the grandchildren which reflects a part of his life, gardening at Jim & Marianne's or planning a special trip overseas for the clan it was obvious that family was his first priority in life. As Marianne's friend I especially admire how he enveloped her into the family as a daughter, and she sincerely loved him like a father. Jimmy, Christopher and Kelly are fortunate to having such a caring grandfather engaged in their daily lives.

It is with great regret that I cannot be there to give you all a hug, but please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers from China. I will truly miss seeing Mr. Swanson's smiling face but know he is bringing great joy to those in heaven!

With love,
Elizabeth Goodyear

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