James L. Swanson

JAMES L. SWANSON, 67, Rockford, died at 8:30 p.m. Thursday, September 6, 2007 in University of Wisconsin Medical Center, Madison, WI.nbsp; Born June 12, 1940 in Rockford, son of Ernie Swanson and Dorothy Littlejohn Swanson Heiss.nbsp; He cherished a long and happy marriage to Jackie Cave who he married in Rockford on November 23, 1972.nbsp; He was the co-owner of Dyna Kleen for 43 years, retiring in 2002.nbsp; Member of the Shriners Oriental Band. He and Jackie traveled extensively and loved those special times together. nbsp;He always felt at peace when they spent time at their home in Galena. Jim loved all outdoor activities. He had a great passion for hunting, fishing, golfing and gardening.nbsp; >From early in the morning to late at night if he could find a way, he would be doing something outside.nbsp; Jims family meant the world to him.nbsp; He spent most of his leisure time with his wife, children and grandchildren.nbsp; From showing up to a grandchilds soccer game to helping one of his kids paint their living room, he gave to his family wonderful memories of Papa being there for them.nbsp; Papa loved taking his children and grandchildren with him on his fishing pontoon boat.nbsp; Jimmy always knew where the fishing hot spots were.nbsp; Bring home the big fish gave him immense pleasure.nbsp; Papa always made sure there were plenty of pictures taken of the big catch. If you went hunting with him, you would make sure you were up and ready at 3:00 a.m.nbsp; Not ready, well you might just miss the trip if you slept in.nbsp; Go hunting with him and you might not see any game, but he always seemed to be in the right spot at the right time.nbsp; (Of course, with pictures to prove it!)nbsp; When you had a celebration, you better make sure Jimmy was going to be there.nbsp; He always had a great story or a funny joke he could tell to pick up the party.nbsp; He always made the celebration the place to Be. nbsp; Survivors include the love of his life, his wife Jackie; daughter, Deborah Cash; sons, James R. (Debbie) Swanson, Terry S. Swanson and Torrey L. Swanson; grandchildren, Brandon J. (Kelly), Rebecca Becky L., Jennifer, James A., step granddaughter, Megan and an expected great-grandchild, Baby Cash.nbsp; Also survived by his sisters, Maranete Church, WI., Pam Wormington, FL, and Beverly Otwell, LA.; step daughter, Roslynde Taphorn; step granddaughter, Kristine (Jason) Martindale; step grandson, Mark Taphorn; step great-grandchildren, Jacob, Joseph and Kevinnbsp; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.nbsp; Predeceased by his parents; sisters, Betty Ann Swanson, Doreen Fedele, Virginia Baker and brother, Richard Swanson. Honey, Papa, Jimmy, James, Jim, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa, Brother, Uncle or Friend, we love you! nbsp; A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 11, 2007 in Fitzgerald Funeral Home amp; Crematory, Mulford Chapel, 1860 S. Mulford Road with Rev. Msgr. Thomas C. Brady officiating.nbsp; Visitation from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Monday and from 10:00 a.m. until time of the service on Tuesday.nbsp; Memorials may be made to Milestone or Rockford Rescue Mission. To express condolences online please visit Fitzgeraldfh.com.