James Andrew "Jim" Swanson

1939 - 2024

James "Jim" A. Swanson, age 85 of Glendive, Montana, passed away at his home on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Moose Lodge in Glendive with Pastor Chuck Rushing officiating. Silha Funeral Home of Glendive has been entrusted with the arrangements.

Jim Swanson was born to Elin & Andrew Richard Swanson on June 19, 1939, the 6th child in a family of 8. As a young child growing up in Forsyth, MT. Jim loved spending time at the local pool where he eventually became a lifeguard. Jim also spent a lot of time with his best friends, Bob Tweety and Butch Schulemberg where they spent countless hours forming companies like B.J. Construction (Bob & Jim) Construction. Growing up in that era allowed them to have a fun and free childhood. Jim also participated in sports, he loved basketball and football and excelled at them in his high school career; as well as 1 year playing basketball at Miles Community College. Jim called crews in high school to make extra money and eventually became a timekeeper for a steel gang in North Dakota.

As a junior in High School, a cute blonde named Carol Seliski caught Jim's eye. Jim made up his mind right there that this is my girl! Jim crashed her 15th Birthday Party and the love affair blossomed. Much to the chagrin of her parents....Jim & Carol were married on January 20, 1963.

While serving in the National Guard, Jim continued working for the railroad until his position was abolished. Shortly after that Jim was hired as the insurance salesman for the National Farmers Union Insurance Company in Glendive where he worked for 45 years. He was very successful and built many long-lasting relationships.

Jim & Carol bought their first home in June 1968 and have lived there since proudly raising their family. Jim spent his entire life giving back to the community, serving on numerous boards and volunteering for many organizations. Some of which include, Scottish Rite Mason (10 years), Royal Arch Mason (25 years) Friends of Makoshika (over 25 years), Al Baedo Shrine Club (40 years), Kiwanis and the Glendive Masonic Lodge (over 50 years of service). He also served many years on the GMC Hospital Board and the Montana State Fund Board (8 years) and Eastern Montana Development (where his vision and hard-work helped get the highway from Alzada to Ekalaka built).

Jim & Carol spent their free time traveling the world (over 60 countries), the most frequented visited country was Sweden, so he could spend time with their beloved family. Jim & Carol also enjoyed cruise ships, where Jim captivated friends and strangers alike and regaled them with inappropriate jokes and wild tales from Eastern Montana. He also adored his 5 grandchildren, whom made his life complete, as well as his numerous friends that are too numerous to list.

He's preceded in death by his parents Elin & Andew Swanson; and his siblings, Carl (Fortina) Swanson, Bob (Shirley) Swanson, John (Luann) Swanson, Karen Maker & Elinor Swanson.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Swanson and his 2 children and 5 grandchildren. His children include his son Scott with his wife Lisa (children include Jena Swanson, Samantha (Cam) Paisley and Tristan Swanson of Glendive, MT. As well his daughter, Sandy with her husband Jasen Johnson (children include Allison & Alex) of Billings, MT. He is also survived by his siblings, Bill (Janet) Swanson of Forsyth and Shirley Clifford of Forsyth.

Remembrances and condolences can be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.