James Lowell Swenor II

A legend was born on February 27, 1955, (Apparently 100 years too late, since he wanted to be a wild west cowboy) to Verle Kay (Malmgren) Hodgins and James Swenor. He attended Marquette area schools and, at age 17, quit to join the US Marines. Jim took great pride in serving his country from 1972-76. He joined the Marines with three of his friends on the buddy system. Our Military was never the same. After boot camp he went to EL Toro Air Wing Station followed by Iwakuni Japan and temporary active duty in the Philippines. He also spent time in South Korea and ended his career at Quantico. He enjoyed recounting his Marine adventures, most of which should never see print.

His career included driving truck and operating heavy equipment at Lindberg and Sons, driving truck at Ropes Gold Mine, and finally retiring, after 20 years, from the LS & I Railroad proudly working as a conductor/ engineer. The highlight of his working career was when he worked as a grizzly bear guide in Kodiak, Alaska for Pinnell and Talifson. It was his favorite job or at least the one he told the most stories about.

In retirement, Jim spent his time between their camp at Buck Lake and winters in Naples, Florida. He also loved going to the family camp at Wolf Lake and was especially proud of the rebuild. There were a lot of memories made there! He loved feeding the deer at Buck Lake, fall colors and sunsets, and doing “honey-do” chores. He and JoLynn also traveled extensively in the states and abroad. In Europe he especially enjoyed Paris, Normandy and Belleau Woods (where the Marines got their nickname “Devildogs” (OOHRAH). And while in Edinburgh, he actually asked for a family discount at the John Knox House. He was always a loyal Packer fan even in the sad times of the “Pack Sack”.

Jim is survived by his loving spouse JoLynn (Rossi) Swenor. His children Brittanie (Anthony) Melton of Muskegon, Paul Swenor of Crystal Falls, Michael Swanson of Naples, FL, Nicole (Kevin) Swanson-Craig of Green Bay, WI. Grandchildren Jason and Avanti Carter, Amari and Dymetri Melton, Andi Swanson, Jahvarn, Alex, Kaden, and Gracie Craig. And great-granddaughter, Neveah Carter. Siblings, David “Chuck” Swenor of Soldotna, AK, Tom (Terry) Swenor of Alpha, Karen (Jim) Versailles of Prairieview, KS, LeAnne (Kirk) Larsson of Marquette, and Douglas (Karen) Swenor of Ishpeming, step-siblings Mike Hodgins of Phoenix, AZ, Steve Hodgins of Marquette, Jim Hodgins of Dallas, TX, Toni Olavarria of Marquette, Greg Olavarria of Bethesda, MD, and Jeff Olavarria of Doylestown, PA.

Dennis Swenor II

He is preceded in death by his father and stepmother; Carla Swenor, mother and stepfather; Kenneth Hodgins, Douglas Hayes Swenor, nephew, and Tiffany Carter, stepdaughter.

Jim is in heaven, sitting at the jumbo table watching Joe Kenda, Ancient Aliens or Grit TV on a 1000-inch TV screen. Afterwards, he is going to enjoy a big rare porterhouse steak, lobster, king crab legs, baked potato and white bread swimming in butter and hold the vegetables. He is also incredibly comfortable, because on earth as it is in heaven, Jim takes fashion advice from no one – he is in his trade mark flannel shirt, Woolrich vest (checkbook in pocket) and Levis. He’ll finish off the evening scrolling “bookface” with a shot of Crown chased with Busch beer.

Jim said his only regret is that he felt invincible when young and smoked cigarettes – knowing they were bad for his health. This robbed him of enjoying his retirement and living a happy and long life with his family and friends. Because of this, in lieu of flowers, the family encourages you and your loved ones to stop smoking and vaping. Also, because Jim loved nature and the woods were his church, consider planting a tree in his honor.

Please join the family to celebrate Jim’s life on Tuesday, October 15, 2019, at the Fassbender Swanson Hansen Funeral and Cremation Services from 11:00 am until the time of a short service at 12:30, followed by a reception at the American Legion.

Jim would encourage everyone to attend wearing their favorite flannel or Packer wear. He also requested the Packer offensive line escort him to his final earthly resting place, so they could let him down one last time. But they respectfully declined. SEMPER FI

Condolences may be expressed online at fassbenderswansonhansen.com