James A. Swigart was welcomed to his heavenly home Saturday, June 17, 2023, surrounded by his loving family.
There was a gathering of family and friends on Wednesday, June 21, 2023, at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake. Funeral Services were on Thursday, June 22 at Christ Free Lutheran Church, Devils Lake with Reverend Gary Fulsebakke officiating.
James, son of Ernest and Blanche Swigart was born March 29, 1938, in Fairplay, Colorado. He was the youngest of the four siblings, he had two brothers, Kenneth and Wendell, and one sister, Mary.
Jim married Mary Agnes Longie on June 29, 1956, in Kellogg, Idaho. Mary was his best friend, and the love of his life, the two of them were like two peas in a pod and went everywhere together. They began their family in Kellogg welcoming sons, Kenneth and Craig. They moved their family to Sioux City, Iowa, where they welcomed their daughter Laurie. In 1977 they moved their family to Saint Michael, ND ,where they built their forever home.
James, best known as “Jim” to everyone who knew him, excelled in various professions throughout his lifetime up until his retirement. Everything he did he did for his family. Jim enjoyed fishing, building things around the house and at one time sailing their bright yellow sailboat, named the Jamar, around Devils Lake. Jim and Mary loved traveling around the United States together and sometimes they would even take on the daring task of taking the grandchildren with them on their many adventures. Jim loved spending as much time as he could with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. In 2016, a little angel came into his life, his “Yannie” she was his little piece of sunshine, and was always glued to his side. Yannie always held a special place in his heart.
Jim is survived by his loving wife of 66 years, Mary. His children Kenneth (Sheri) Swigart of Jacksonville, FL. Craig (Antoinette) Swigart and Laurie (Roger) Lourens of Saint Michael, ND. His grandchildren Kenny (Michelle) Swigart of Rock Valley, IA. Stacey (Corey) Swigart of Fargo, ND, Jeremy Swigart of Jacksonville, FL, Joshua (Leah) Swigart of Reno, NV, Melissa (Christopher) Swigart-Lourens of Saint Michael, ND, Trevor (Shannadea) Swigart of Devils Lake, ND, Merissa Swigart-Lourens of Devils Lake, ND, Justin Ericson of Sioux City, IA, Veronica, Randall and Amelia Swigart of Saint Michael, ND, Riley Leaf of Thompson, ND. His great-grandchildren Makenzie (Juan), Blaine, Allie Jean (James), Forest, Everest, Cypress, Brady, Ruby, Henry, Holly, Branson, Frankilyn, Laylahnie, and many in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.
Jim was welcomed to his Heavenly home by his parents, brothers, sister, daughter-in-law. Their, grandson Tanner and many other family members, friends and canine companions, Buddy and Rascal.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Hospice of the Red River Valley, his Devils Lake dialysis team and Gilbertson Funeral Home. If the family left anyone out it was not our intentions at this difficult time.
