James D. Swanson, age 81, resident of rural Brocket, ND, died Thursday, April 22, 2010 at his farm home near Brocket.

James Duane Swanson was born September 27, 1928 at Edmore, ND, the son of Ernest and Gertrude (Redmann) Swanson. He was raised there and attended school until the death of his mother when James was 10 years old. He then lived at the childrens home in Fargo. Shortly thereafter, James became a foster child to Thorsten and Ruby Evenson. They lived on what is James' current farmstead. He completed his education at the Brocket school and began farming with Thorsten. James married Beverly Barney on June 27, 1965 at the Melrose Lutheran Church, rural Michigan, ND. James and Beverly eventually purchased the family farm. He spent all of his adult years farming and also worked off the farm for many years. He also farmed with his son, Wayne, who has taken over the farming operation. James loved farming and the rural lifestyle. He was a member of the United Lutheran Church of Brocket and served on the church council. He was also a member of the Farmers Union and Farm Bureau.

James will be deeply missed by his wife, Beverly Swanson of Brocket; 4 sons, Wayne Swanson of Brocket, Sydney (Carla) Swanson of Sartell, MN, Dwight (Shannon) Swanson of Maple Grove, MN, and Stuart Swanson of Fargo, ND; 5 grandchildren, Emma, Lily, Evan, Brooke, and Ashlyn; 5 brothers, Ernie (Fran) Swanson of Anaheim, CA, Richard (Kathryn) Swanson of Minot, ND, James Hall of St. Cloud, MN, John (Lynn) Sanaker of Cambridge, MN, and Jay (Marie) Bergquist of Fargo, ND; a sister, Luella (Kenneth) Olson of Lakota, ND; 2 brothers-in-law, LeVerne Barney of Reseda, CA, and Milton (Charlotte) Barney of Michigan, ND; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; foster parents; grandparents; sister & brother-in-law, Evelyn & Ervin Froelich; 2 brothers, Charles and Edwin Swanson; sister-in-law, Shirley Barney; and nephew, David Barney.

The Memorial Service for James will be held at United Lutheran Church , Brocket, ND, on Tuesday, April 27, 2010 at 10:30 a.m. Officiating will be the Reverend Reuben Schnaidt. The organist will be Mary Jane Eidsness. Interment will be in the Vaage Cemetery, rural Brocket. Honorary casketbearers will include all of James' friends. Visitation will be held at the Aaker Funeral Home of Lakota on Monday, from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and will continue at the church on Tuesday, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of service.

Memorials are suggested to the United Lutheran Church or a charity of the donor's choice.